Using Variables outside a function

[ackerley1]

I am trying to create function that will assign several variables during it's process, but I cannot seem to get those variables to display outside of the function.

function example ($input_var) {
if ($input_var == option1) {
$new_var = new_desired_output1;
}
else {
$new_var = new_desired_output2;
}
}


Then I define $input_var and have a call to the function in the page:
$input_var = some_var;
example ($input_var);

Then later in the page:
echo $new_var;

But the last bit does not work?

Is there a trick to get the new variable out of the function? I can get it to work inside the function, but not outside??

Thanks

[DaveSawers]

Put the new_var into the argument list and pass it by reference, e.g.

function example ($input_var, &$new_var) {
...
}

$input_var = some_var;
$new_var = "";
example($input_var, $new_var);
echo $new_var;

[wige]

Assuming you are coding in PHP: If $new_var is assigned before the function begins, you can tell the function to use the the "global" version of $new_var rather than creating a local copy using the global operator.

PHP Code:

function example ($input_var) {
   global $new_var;
   if ($input_var == option1) {
      $new_var = new_desired_output1;
   }
   else {
      $new_var = new_desired_output2;
   }
} 


This may be preferable to pass by reference as you do not need to add the parameter to existing functions, and it is simpler to implement when you are dealing with multiple global variables, although both methods should have similar overhead.

[ackerley1]

global works best for my application.

Thanks

[mikesmith76]

In your situation i think i'd be tempted to return an array of values from the function rather than use global variables. Just makes the function more independent and reusable. What if you decided to move that function to another file? You'd have to remember to move all the related variables also.

Something to think about.

Mike