Re: variable_exists() patch

Yes, pretending that it is currently consistent is the problem I think. By introducing the new function we solve the inconsistency. True there are ways around this, such as get_defined_vars(). Interestingly, yet another inconsistency is that get_defined_vars() also returns a variable with a null value. Wouldn't it just be simpler to acquiesce to the fact that null wasn't implemented as you intended and thus has a greater scope of usage now than originally expected? Part of the evolutionary process of any entity is when it exceeds its expectations. Also I'm guessing that get_defined_vars() does not return a reference to an already existing array and thus would be like using a pile driver to hammer a nail in -- correct me if I'm wrong since efficiency wise I'm happy to use that method provided I'm not copying the whole array. Cheers, Rob. On Sat, 2003-08-16 at 17:42, Lars Torben Wilson wrote: > On Sat, 2003-08-16 at 14:41, Zeev Suraski wrote: > > At 16:53 16/08/2003, Robert Cummings wrote: > > >So it seems to me that a null value does not define the non-existence of > > >a value, but is itself actually a value. And this as far as I am > > >concerned is quite valid. > > > > Ok, but it still doesn't change the fact that null is not a value :) The > > fact we couldn't make the implementation perfect doesn't change that in any > > way. > > I mentioned ways to implement the desired behavior, others also mentioned > > other ways - but there's no way I'd support adding functionality that will > > encourage inconsistency in the language. > > > > Zeev > > But the change would make it more consistent, by recognizing that a > variable with a NULL value is still defined. Pretending that $foo = > null and unset($foo) are the same thing is quite inconsistent and > confusing for many, when there are ways (i.e. get_defined_vars()) to > prove that they are not the same. > > > -- > Torben Wilson <torben@php.net> +1.604.709.0506 > http://www.thebuttlesschaps.com > http://www.inflatableeye.com > http://www.hybrid17.com > http://www.themainonmain.com > -----==== Boycott Starbucks! http://www.haidabuckscafe.com > ====----- > > > > > -- > PHP Internals - PHP Runtime Development Mailing List > To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php > > -- .---------------------------------------------. | Worlds of Carnage - http://www.wocmud.org | :---------------------------------------------: | Come visit a world of myth and legend where | | fantastical creatures come to life and the | | stuff of nightmares grasp for your soul. | `---------------------------------------------'