6 replies to this topic

[artcoder]

There are many way to do the same thing in PHP. Which of the following should I use (according to best practices) and why? Or is it simply a matter of personal preference. I want to start getting into good habits.

1)

<?= $desc ?>

2)

<? echo $desc ?>

3)

<? print $desc ?>

4)

<?php print $desc>

Big question is, should I use ...

<?  ?>

or

<?php  ?>

[Matthew.]

Question 1:

<?php echo $desc ?>

Why? The "=" technique is a optional extra, and while most servers are configured to use it, you must always consider the option it may not be. Why use echo? Because it is around 50% faster than print (from memory). Why use full php opening tags? Read below

Question 2:

<?php  ?>

Why? Because php.net says so, enough said lol.

Edited by Matthew., 25 September 2006 - 12:39 PM.

[Lang]

Quote

Question 2:
CODE
<?php ?>


Why? Because php.net says so, enough said lol.

I didn't know that. I always use <? - guess I better chance my habits

[Demonslay]

Mostly is just personal preferenced, but echo does work faster than print in most cases.

And to pick up where Matt left off, the reason you should use full <?php ?> tags is because some servers aren't configured for the <? ?> shortcut. Also, I believe I read somewhere that the <? ?> tags can also be used for ASP, or some other language, and thus would confuse the parser or something.

[rc69]

The perks of knowing the php manual like the back of my hand...
http://php.net/manua....short-open-tag

As for the print/echo thing. It's a VERY common question, google will basically yield the same results no matter what you search for (i found one really good article once, but i can't remember where it was). The basic concensus is that echo is faster than print. Unless you're creating some really huge script, or have a very popular site (i.e. p2l), then it technically doesn't matter which you use (i prefer echo).

[artcoder]

Great replies. So I'll get into the habit of using "echo" and "php". Thanks.

[Demonslay]

Ah, I was close! It was XML. >.<
ASP was completely different, lol.