1.2.888. Only Variable Returned By Reference

Function can’t return literals by reference.

When a function returns a reference, it is only possible to return variables, properties or static properties.

Anything else, like literals or static expressions, yield a warning at execution time.

<?php

// Can't return a literal number
function &foo() {
    return 3 + rand();
}

// bar must return values that are stored in a
function &bar() {
    $a = 3 + rand();
    return $a;
}

?>

1.2.888.1. Connex PHP features

1.2.888.1.1. Specs

Short name

Structures/OnlyVariableReturnedByReference

Rulesets

All, Analyze

Exakat since

0.8.4

PHP Version

All

Severity

Major

Time To Fix

Quick (30 mins)

Precision

Very high

Available in

Entreprise Edition, Exakat Cloud