Hi, Sometimes I see arrays like the following:
array('item1' => array(
'subitem1',
'subitem2',
)
Why a comma is added at end of array wheras there is not any element after submitem2?
views:
85answers:
2
+8
A:
It makes it easier to append another entry at a later point in time.
Oli Charlesworth
2010-10-16 19:38:23
As a side-effect, wth version control software, the last line does not appear to be changed by adding a comma.
André Caron
2010-10-16 19:45:11
@André CaronIt's a good reason to use it
Hamid.P
2010-10-16 20:08:08
@Hamid: It is the *only* reason I use it :-)
André Caron
2010-10-16 20:13:39
Sorry, I didn't get it.. could anyone explain it in a little more detail? How and why does it make it easier? thnx..
Lucius
2010-10-16 20:22:03
If I want to e.g. rearrange items in the array declaration, or duplicate them, or copy-and-paste from another declaration, or auto-generate the source code, it's much easier if one doesn't have to worry about a special-case for the last entry.
Oli Charlesworth
2010-10-16 20:25:56
oh, ok, now I see.. d'oh!Thanks!!
Lucius
2010-10-16 20:59:53
A:
The comma is not needed at all. But you will still find some interpreters/compilers still allowing to use it. You can think of it this way: the interpreters is allowing you to make little mistakes and wisely fixing it internally. This is just a user-friendly way. Nothing else at all.
And you should not use that extra comma because a lot of strict ones will not let you pass through! Like Internet Explorer while interpreting Javascript. But Firefox will allow it.
Muktadir
2010-10-16 19:58:38
One problem with PHP is that there's no formal grammar specification, just the *de facto* reference implementation.
Oli Charlesworth
2010-10-16 20:04:04
yes...there are more languages...like javascript...so it's better to follow a good pattern! Don't know why I got a negative feedback here. Probably I am too confusing on expressing theories :p
Muktadir
2010-10-17 19:05:38