Killing PHP

 Going from php 8.3 to php 8.4.

This works perfectly fine in php 8.3:

function dumpit($msgtype,$var, &$val){...}

$log->dumpit('Trace','calling_process',trim($pidout));

The reference in the dumpit function signature is wrong, it should not be there. PHP up to version 8.3 was smart enough to recognize that and just execute the code. Very PHPish try to do what the coder intended.

Some structural fascist changed vs 8.4 made that a fatal error, I have words for such persons. A more reasonable approach write a warning or a depreciation msg.

This is killing PHP, makes it bland and gloomy, be as any run-of-the-mill language. It makes me sad.