How to Return Values from Included PHP Scripts to the Main Script?

Returning from Included PHP Scripts

In PHP, the return() function is typically used to exit a script or function. However, it cannot be used to return from an included script back to the main script.

To return from the included script and resume execution in the main script, consider using the following techniques:

1. Use Output Buffering:

Inside the included script, store the output you want to return in a variable using ob_start(). Then, in the main script, use ob_get_clean() to retrieve the buffered output and assign it to a variable.

Example:

<code class="php">// Included script (include.php)
ob_start();
echo 'Return value';
ob_end_clean();

// Main script
ob_start();
include 'include.php';
$returnValue = ob_get_clean();</code>

2. Use require() with a Return Value:

Instead of include(), use require() to include the script and assign its return value to a variable in the main script. Ensure that the included script returns the desired value.

<code class="php">// Included script (require.php)
return 5;

// Main script
$returnValue = require 'require.php';</code>

3. Use PHP's Return Syntax in the Included Script:

This technique is similar to using require() with a return value, but it uses PHP's return syntax directly in the included script. The main script assigns the included script to a variable to retrieve the return value.

Example:

<code class="php">// Included script (return.php)
return 5;

// Main script
$returnValue = include 'return.php';</code>

Remember that return statements in included scripts only return values to the main script. They do not terminate the main script's execution.

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