Returning a value froma function

I would like to return a value from a function how can this be done? with the following limitations:
1. function is in another file
2. i do not want to call the function

example:

// this would be in my functions file
<?php function car(){
    $car_name = 'honda';
    return $car_name;
};?>

// page file
<p><?php print $car_name; ?></p>

Code (markup):

I am aware that I can do this:

<?php
	$my_val = my_function(5,6,8);
	print $my_val;
?> 

Code (markup):

but to me the above method seems redundant

 

1. Its ok if your function is in another file,, just include() or require() it.
2. Well theres a lot of method on how to do this, maybe sometimes you need to be redundant.

well i guess you need to do it in OOP method, with global variables.

 

You obviously have to call the function at some point, or it will be never run. Why not just put the code in the global view?

<?php

function car()
{
    $car_name = 'honda';
    return $car_name;
}

// Either::
echo car();

// Or:
echo ($var = car());

// Or:
$var = car();
echo $var;

// Or
function global_car()
{
    $car_name = 'honda';
    global $car_name;
    return $car_name;
}

global_car();
echo $car_name;

// Or:

    $car_name = 'honda';
// Now we always have it, problem solved.

?>

PHP:

 

hmmm, sorry i don't think i was clear on my limitiations...

1. i am aware that the file needs to be included()
2. i am aware that i can use this method

function global_car()
{
    $car_name = 'honda';
    global $car_name;
    return $car_name;
}

global_car();
echo $car_name;

Code (markup):

(this is what i'm actually currently doing)

in a nutshell I'm trying to use vairables the same way that DRUPAL, WordPress and other CMS' use them. for example in drupal you can just type:

<?php print $content; ?>

Code (markup):

with out ever calling the function from within the file.

i'm trying to slim down my code as much as possible.

see i'll be re-using this and passing it along to someone else, that doesn't know that much php, and they want a list of variables to be used when they get the code, so they can just type:

<?php
print $header; 
print $content;
print $footer;
?>

Code (markup):

vs.

<?php

$h = header();
$c = content();
$f = footer();

print $h;
print $c;
print $f;
?>

Code (markup):

 

You're missing the point. You HAVE to call a function either directly or through a callback or it won't run. If you don't want to have to call it put it in the global context.

You could do

$var = 'car';
echo $var();

But hey, still not what you want. There is nothing wrong with an extra line, just dump it in your includes file.

It's not redundant at all. I put all the methods I can think of in my original post that don't use other functions.

Dan

 

Perhaps it's a class you're looking to build;

<?php

class car{

  var $car_name;

  function print_name(){
     print $this->car_name;
  }
}
?>

PHP:

On your main page;

<?php
include 'mycarfile.php';

$car = new car;
$car->car_name = "Honda";

$car->print_name();

?>

PHP:

 

yeah, i currently have the print statements in my include files so when i need to get/print my header i just type

<?php print myHeader(); ?>

Code (markup):

I guess i still didn't word my question properly, i have my site working, my php functions work, BUT im more curious as to how this is done...

again, i'm refereing to the CMS' drupal and wordpress they allow the user just to type in

<?php print $breadcrumbs; ?> or <?php print $footer; ?>

I know they are highly complex, but I just wanna know how do they acheive this? how is it they can set-up there code in away all where you can type a variable and not call the function, i am aware that there are other fiels involved, so if anyone knows how to set-up php to do this that would help, again...this is more of a question like "Hey how'd they do that?"

maybe this is more of a question that should be posted in a drupal or wordpress forum?

 

This happens because the file is parsed by the respective template engine, and the $variables are filled in there.

Dan

 

AH, yes, thanks that makes senese