I haven't really read into it, but if you're complaining about a change in PHP 5.0.5 that made it so you couldn't do:
<?php
$val = array_shift(preg_split());
?>
or
<?php
$val = array_shit(function_that_returns_array);
?>
Then you're not using this function correctly. This function's argument is supposed to be a pointer to a variable. It then modifies that variable and returns a value. When you specify a function, php CAN NOT modify the return value of that function. It should be common sense but apparently its not.
Also, on a efficiency note, you might want to consider using another function such as reset or perhaps making your own function such as below:
<?php
function first_element($array) {
return reset($array);
}
?>
Unless of course for some reason you need to save the microseconds this takes.
}
