PHP Function Arguments - Use an array or not?

Question

I like creating my PHP functions using key=>value pairs (arrays) as arguments instead of individual parameters.

For example, I prefer:

function useless_         


        

Answer 1

I'm assuming you're asking whether it's A Good Thing to write all functions so that they accept only one argument, and for that argument to be an array?

If you're the only person who's ever going to work on your code then you can do what you like. However, by passing all argument values through an array, anyone else is going to have to work harder to understand what the function does and why / how they could use it, especially if they're using an IDE with auto-complete for function names etc. They don't call it a "function signature" for nothing.

I'd recommend that array parameters are reserved either for items where you don't know how many there will be (e.g. a series of data items), or for groups of related options / settings (which may be what's going on in the Wordpress example that you mention?).

If you do continue with a blanket approach to array arguments then you should at least be aware of its impact on readability and take some steps to counter that issue.