# Bug #24687 - can't return non-variable by reference

- Thread: https://externals.io/message/4822
- Original archive: https://news-web.php.net/php.internals/4822
- Started by Brad Bulger on 2003-10-14T02:12:08+00:00
- Messages: 1
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## #4822 — Brad Bulger — 2003-10-14T02:12:08+00:00

URL: https://externals.io/message/4822#4822

Is this still open because it's possible that it might somehow be
"fixed"? (though as comments note, it doesn't make any sense,
and in any case, in php 5 the reference is unnecessary for the
most common case of returning a new object)

if the idea is to leave it to see how many votes it gets, that
is understandable. otherwise, it would be helpful to close
it as 'not a bug' so people will know they need to change code.
now it's like game of chicken, all wait to see who blinks :)

thx