PHP Array Syntax Parse Error Left Square Bracket “[” [closed]

Answer 1

The reason for this behavior is that PHP functions can't be chained like JavaScript functions can be. Just like document.getElementsByTagNames('a')[0] is possible.

You have to stick to the second approach for PHP version < 5.4

Function array dereferencing has been added, e.g. foo()[0].

http://php.net/manual/en/migration54.new-features.php

Answer 2

You can't use function array dereferencing

return f1(/*some args*/)[0];

until PHP 5.4.0 and above.