1.2.879. Only Variable For Reference¶
When a method is requesting an argument to be a reference, it cannot be called with a literal value.
The call must be made with a variable, or any assimilated data container : array, property or static property. Note that PHP may detect this error at linting time, if the method is defined after being called : at that point, PHP will only check the problem during execution. This is definitely the case for methods, compared to functions or static methods.
<?php
// This is not possible
foo(1,2);
// This is working
foo($a, $b);
function foo($a, &$b) {}
?>
See also Passing arguments by reference.
1.2.879.1. Suggestions¶
Put the literal value in a variable before calling the method.
Omit the arguments, when it won’t be used.
1.2.879.2. Specs¶
Short name |
Functions/OnlyVariableForReference |
Rulesets |
|
Exakat since |
1.4.6 |
PHP Version |
All |
Severity |
Critical |
Time To Fix |
Quick (30 mins) |
Precision |
Medium |
Features |
variable, reference |
Note |
This issue may lint but will not run |
Available in |