Are PHP short tags acceptable to use?
📝 Blog Post: Are PHP short tags acceptable to use?
Are you a PHP developer looking to make your coding life easier with short tags? 🤔 Well, you might want to think twice before using them. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of PHP short tags, explore their common issues, provide easy solutions, and give you a clear answer to whether you should use them or not. Let's get started! 💪
📚 Understanding PHP Short Tags
According to the official PHP documentation, there are four types of opening and closing tags that can be used in PHP. Two of them, <?php ... ?> and <script language="php"> ... </script>, are always available and widely compatible. The remaining two are short tags and ASP style tags, which can be turned on and off from the php.ini configuration file. However, it's important to note that short tags and ASP style tags are generally not recommended.
💼 The Programmer's Convenience
You might wonder why short tags are not recommended, especially when they seem more convenient. It's true that typing <?= is quicker and simpler than typing <?php echo, making life easier for programmers. Many servers also have short tags enabled by default, so it's tempting to use them. But here's the catch:
🔖 The Issues with Short Tags
1. Portability Problems
Short tags are not as portable as their <?php ... ?> counterparts. While most servers may have short tags enabled, you can't assume that all servers will support them. If you plan to distribute your code or work on different servers, there's a risk that your code might break unexpectedly if short tags are not enabled. This lack of portability can cause headaches and compatibility issues in the long run.
2. Conflicts with XML
If you're working with XML files or using PHP in combination with HTML, short tags can cause conflicts. XML declaration often starts with <?xml ... ?>, and when short tags are enabled, they can be misinterpreted as PHP tags. This can lead to parsing errors and make your code difficult to debug.
3. Readability and Maintainability
Code that relies heavily on short tags might be less readable and maintainable. While short tags can save a few keystrokes, they can also make your code harder to understand, especially for developers who are not familiar with them. Using explicit <?php ... ?> tags makes your code more self-explanatory and easier to comprehend for all team members.
✅ The Solution: Use Full PHP Tags
To ensure your code's portability, readability, and compatibility with different servers, it's best to use the full <?php ... ?> tags. It may take a bit of extra typing, but it pays off in the long run. Consistency and maintainability are key when it comes to writing clean code that stands the test of time.
📣 Your Turn!
Now that you know the potential issues with PHP short tags, we want to hear from you! Have you run into any problems while using short tags in your PHP projects? Are there any specific tips or tricks you'd like to share? Join the conversation below and let's learn from each other! 👇
Remember, writing clean and portable code is not just about convenience, but also about professionalism and best practices. Let's strive for code that is both efficient and maintainable.
Happy coding! 🚀
