1.2.880. Only Variable Passed By Reference¶
When an argument is expected by reference, it is compulsory to provide a container. A container may be a variable, an array, a property or a static property.
This may be linted by PHP, when the function definition is in the same file as the function usage. This is silently linted if definition and usage are separated, if the call is dynamical or made as a method. This analysis currently covers functioncalls and static methodcalls, but omits methodcalls.
<?php
function foo(&$bar) { /**/ }
function &bar() { /**/ }
// This is not possible : strtolower() returns a value
foo(strtolower($string));
// This is valid : bar() returns a reference
foo(bar($string));
?>
See also Passing arguments by reference.
1.2.880.1. Suggestions¶
Store the previous result in a variable, and then call the function.
1.2.880.2. Specs¶
Short name |
Functions/OnlyVariablePassedByReference |
Rulesets |
|
Exakat since |
0.11.3 |
PHP Version |
All |
Severity |
Critical |
Time To Fix |
Slow (1 hour) |
Precision |
High |
Features |
reference, parameter |
Examples |
|
Available in |