How to return from a function using eval?

Question

I have a function which is basically like this:

function myfunction(){
    eval("return;");
    echo 'this line has to not show up';
}

For technical reasons, the decision to return (or not) from the function, has to be made in the eval instruction, but the above approach doesn't work. How can I make this work?

This might help: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/17672183/eval-does-not-return-the-function-results If you must must use `eval` then eval the entire function: https://eval.in/315419 I'm guessing though that there's much better options. — bloodyKnuckles, Apr 18 '15 at 19:33

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 18 '15 at 19:32

You can't. The contents of the eval are considered their own context, so "return" is interpreted as exiting the eval'd string, and returning control to the function. A few alternatives to consider:

Return a value from the eval string determining the action to take, e.g. if ( eval('return true;') ) { return; }
Throw an Exception inside the eval'd string, and catch it wherever you call this function.
Don't use eval in the first place. There is pretty much always a better approach than using eval. Without knowing what you're using this code for, I can't be more specific, but I would strongly recommend changing your design rather than continuing down this route.

How to return from a function using eval?

1 Answers1