Re: [PHP4BETA] return references branch merged into the main repository

To be clearer, it works on variables and function calls only, and is only used to denote an assignment of a reference, as opposed to assignment by value. You can't use it on expressions or in expressions. Zeev On Thu, 16 Dec 1999 zeev@zend.com wrote: > & is an operator that works on variables and function calls. It does not > work on expressions. > > Zeev > > On Thu, 16 Dec 1999, Stanislav Malyshev wrote: > > > ZS>> To assign a reference, you must use the special assign-reference > > ZS>> notation. When assigning a variable, the notation does the job of > > > > > > But this notation seems not consistent now. > > > > Neither: > > > > $a = new foo_bar(); > > $x = new foo_bar(); > > $b = &($choose_a_b ? ret_ref($a) : ret_ref($b)); > > > > or > > > > $a = new foo_bar(); > > $x = new foo_bar(); > > $b = $choose_a_b ? &ret_ref($a) : &ret_ref($b); > > > > do not work. Even > > > > $b = &(foo()); > > > > doesn't work. > > > > So what is this & and what it's linked to? If it's "=&" > > operator, why > > first is illegal? If it operates on function call, why second is illegal? > > > > > > >