PHP Function with Optional Parameters

Question

I\'ve written a PHP function that can accepts 10 parameters, but only 2 are required. Sometimes, I want to define the eighth parameter, but I don\'t want to type in empty st

Answer 1

I know this is an old post, but i was having a problem like the OP and this is what i came up with.

Example of array you could pass. You could re order this if a particular order was required, but for this question this will do what is asked.

$argument_set = array (8 => 'lots', 5 => 'of', 1 => 'data', 2 => 'here');

This is manageable, easy to read and the data extraction points can be added and removed at a moments notice anywhere in coding and still avoid a massive rewrite. I used integer keys to tally with the OP original question but string keys could be used just as easily. In fact for readability I would advise it.

Stick this in an external file for ease

function unknown_number_arguments($argument_set) {

    foreach ($argument_set as $key => $value) {

        # create a switch with all the cases you need. as you loop the array 
        # keys only your submitted $keys values will be found with the switch. 
        switch ($key) {
            case 1:
                # do stuff with $value
                break;
            case 2:
                # do stuff with $value;
                break;
            case 3:
                # key 3 omitted, this wont execute 
                break;
            case 5:
                # do stuff with $value;
                break;
            case 8:
                # do stuff with $value;
                break;
            default:
                # no match from the array, do error logging?
                break;
        }
    }
return;
}

put this at the start if the file.

$argument_set = array(); 

Just use these to assign the next piece of data use numbering/naming according to where the data is coming from.

$argument_set[1][] = $some_variable; 

And finally pass the array

unknown_number_arguments($argument_set);