Fatal error: Can't use method return value in write context in

Question

I am trying to make a small survey form asking people questions and replying either yes or no.

I am trying though to execute the the first two functions on the 3rd function and also check if the answers were set but i get a:

Fatal error: Can't use method return value in write context in.

Can someone please help me or point me to the right path?

    <?php
class survey {

    ... some functions ...

    function check($rep1, $rep2){

        if (isset($this->q1($rep1)) && isset($this->q2($rep2))) {
            #######################    #######################
            echo "Thank you for the feedback";
        }elseif (! array_key_exists(@$_POST['answer'], $var)) {
            echo "Please select an option<br/>";
        }
    }
}
?>

The error is inside the check function on the first line.

The Definitive Guide To PHP's isset And empty

deceze
– deceze ♦

2013-03-17 22:00:35 +00:00
Commented Mar 17, 2013 at 22:00 — deceze
– deceze ♦, Commented Mar 17, 2013 at 22:00

Niet the Dark Absol · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-17 22:01:07Z

4

Since functions always return something (even if it's NULL), using isset() on them is nonsensical.

isset is a language construct that takes a variable name and tells you if it exists.

In this case, why not just write if(isset($_POST['answer']))?

answered Mar 17, 2013 at 22:01

Niet the Dark Absol

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5 Comments

Panki0 Over a year ago

Thank you Kolink. You have been very helpful. The only thing is that I need to run the q1 and q2 functions only when the questions have been answered.. any ideas how this can be done? Thanks again for helping a newbie out..

user2742648 Over a year ago

@Kolink Shouldn't isset of a variable which exists but is set to null return false?

hakre Over a year ago

@Panki0: This is possible without errors in PHP 5.5. All you need to do is to upgrade to that PHP version. It's currently available in a alpha or beta release, so you can already test it today. php.net

hakre Over a year ago

@igorpan: yes. isset, basically checks for NULL not whether or not a variable is set.

Panki0 Over a year ago

I have fixed it it guys. Thank you all for trying to help out! I really appreciate it! Just thinking opposite/reverse actually made the script work. Thanks a lot again.

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