#31497 [Opn->Csd]: "Variable functions" term ambiguous

ID: 31497 Updated by: didou@php.net Reported By: php dot devel at homelinkcs dot com -Status: Open +Status: Closed Bug Type: Documentation problem Operating System: N/A PHP Version: Irrelevant New Comment: Fully agreed! Fixed in CVS. Previous Comments: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2005-01-13 16:17:29] php dot devel at homelinkcs dot com It just occurred to me that the term "variable handling functions" would also create an analogue with "function handling functions" (http://us2.php.net/manual/en/ref.funchand.php) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2005-01-12 19:43:13] otseng at yahoo dot com Sounds like a good suggestion. Using the term "variable handling functions" for functions that relate to variables would remove the ambiguity. As for updating the documentations, looks like you also have a volunteer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2005-01-11 21:45:43] goba@php.net I also had problems with the suggested meaning, that is behind the "variable functions" title, so it would be nice to fix, indeed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [2005-01-11 21:34:36] php dot devel at homelinkcs dot com Description: ------------ Since it's a complex problem, I would like to stir up some discussion about the best way to solve the ambiguity of terms between "variable functions" (i.e. a function call in which the name of the function is contained in a varable: http://www.php.net/manual/en/functions.variable-functions.php) and "variable functions" (i.e. built-in functions for handling varables: http://www.php.net/manual/en/ref.var.php). In my learning and use of PHP, I have repeatedly encountered this term in both senses, requiring me to seek clarification of its meaning in contexts that are ambiguous. Therefore, I was wondering if it would be possible to change one of the terms. My suggestion would be to change the second sense to "variable handling functions" or something of a similar nature. Such a solution would preserve the analogue between "variable variables" and "variable functions" (in the first sense) and is also somewhat backwards-compatable. But I would like to know what others think. Any thoughts, suggestions on this issue? Anyone else had problems with it? If a conclusion can be reached, I'd be willing to do some, if not all, of the work to update the documentation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Edit this bug report at http://bugs.php.net/?id=31497&edit=1