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PHP PHP Functions Function Returns and More Returning Values

Posted by A X
A X
12,842 Points

Why can't we echo a function & why can we only echo a variable?

If we want to echo the contents of a function, why is PHP not set up to allow us to simply echo the contents of a function directly? Why do we need a variable to play kind of a "middle man" role?

2 Answers

Alexander Davison
Alexander Davison
65,469 Points
Alexander Davison
Alexander Davison
65,469 Points

Actually, we don't need a "middle man" variable.

This code is completely valid:

Notice that I'm not very familiar with PHP, but I'm pretty sure this is valid. If I'm wrong somewhere in my code please tell me!

<?php

function return64 () {
  return "Sixty Four, my favorite number!";
}

echo return64();

?>
Emil Pesaxov
Emil Pesaxov
3,684 Points
Emil Pesaxov
Emil Pesaxov
3,684 Points

Hi, as I understand, functions are used to use a certain code over several times. But they do so only when they are called. When we use echo, we display immediately the content of the function. With return, we store the content and display it once the function call is being echoed or printed.