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Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 13:57:06 +0200
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Subject: [RFC] Modify resolution order of count_elements handler
From: colder@php.net ("Etienne Kneuss")

Hi,

I'd like to fix the resolution order of Countable::count() vs
count_elements handler.
Currently, things are done like this:

1) check if the object implements countable, if so, call it's method
2) if not, check if count_elements handler is defined, if so, use it.

This is a problematic order of resolution, and I'd like to inverse it.

Why? Because :

1) it is inconsistent with other handlers
2) it makes it impossible to be userland friendly while saving a
method call when it's possible.

Currently, there are 3 possibilities:

1) the internal class doesn't use count_elements handler
-> No problem with the change

2) the internal class uses only the handler
-> It's not userland friendly, the change won't help, so it needs to
be fixed anyway

3) both the handler and the method are used
-> the handler was never called directly, such classes will need a fix
after that resolution order change.

Userland classes are not affected.
I can and will take care of every problems occuring in classes in
php-src (2 or 3, mostly SPL).

Patches and details:
http://wiki.php.net/rfc/array_count_handlers


Regards

-- 
Etienne Kneuss
http://www.colder.ch

Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as
when they do it from a religious conviction.
-- Pascal