I must say, in all the years i am programming with PHP (about 5-6 years) i NEVER used references. So i don't find it useful, but well, if you want to give your variable content more than one name, you can :)
I think you just need to start programming now, keeping in mind they are available, but don't use them if it isn't needed. Tijnema On 3/10/07, Dave Goodchild <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi guys, I have just read 'Programming PHP' (O'Reilly) and although I think it's a great book, I am confused about variable variables and references - not the mechanics, just where you would use them. The subject of variable variables is explained but no examples are given as to why and where you would utilise them. As for references, the examples given with regard to passing and returning by reference in functions is clear, but no real examples are given as to when this would be a preferred approcah - in fact, the authors stress that due to PHP's copy-on-write mechanism, it is not a frequently-used approcah. So my question - are there any 'classic' situations in which either should be used, and where and when do you guys use them in your real-world efforts? -- http://www.web-buddha.co.uk
