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Subject: Re: [PHP-DEV] Implicit Arrays and E_STRICT
From: pollita@php.net ("Sara Golemon")

> I don't think any error message should be thrown during implicit array
> creation. Not having to define your variables is one of the main
principles
> of the PHP language. I definitely don't think this should be changed. I
> also don't see how this differs very much from a regular assignment to an
> undefined variable (e.g. $var = 2; ).
>
It differs in that if $var is already defined, doing $var = 2; COMPLETELY
overwrites it.  However if $array is already defined, then $array[] ADDS to
it.  I see implicit array creation as "bad" in the same way that
register_globals is "bad".

That is to say, it's not inherently evil, just prone to unexpected behavior
when not used correctly.

> I think making this an error, even an E_STRICT is a very bad move.
>

Then we differ on that.  Because I think it would be a useful tool for
helping the conscientious scripter avoid little, but potentially harmful
mistakes.

-Sara