Can syntax cause problems?

Question

I know the syntax for <? ?> is not always allowed, and will spark notices if you have them enabled... but I haven't seen many people use <?=$var?> to echo a variable... is this illegal syntax or completely accepted in all versions of PHP?

<?php echo $var; ?>

vs

<?=$var?>

depends if it has been enabled on the server on which you are running the code. — Maximus2012, Sep 24 '13 at 18:19
It was disabled for some PHP versions, but has now been reinstated - so it isn't guaranteed — Mark Baker, Sep 24 '13 at 18:19
@Maximus2012 so it does have to be enabled? It is not standard? — Arian Faurtosh, Sep 24 '13 at 18:19
Check out this question: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/200640/are-php-short-tags-acceptable-to-use — Chris Rasco, Sep 24 '13 at 18:20
[This answer](http://programmers.stackexchange.com/questions/151661/is-it-bad-practice-to-use-tag-in-php) might have some insight. — Chris Forrence, Sep 24 '13 at 18:20
@ChrisRasco Thanks for the link, I just flagged my question as duplicate of the link you posted. — Arian Faurtosh, Sep 24 '13 at 18:25
@AmalMurali I'd rather just close it and have it point to short tags link... I personally thought = was different than short tags So this will help the next person that searches just for it = — Arian Faurtosh, Sep 24 '13 at 18:28

Mr. B. · Accepted Answer · 2013-09-24T18:27:10.877

0

Yes, it depends on your php.ini settings. short_open_tag has to be On.

Your code will not work, if short open tags aren't allowed (old servers [< PHP 5.4.0] often don't support it by default). If you'd like to write your code downwards compatible, do not use it.

I got a lot of anoying trouble because of being lazy and using short open tags. ;-)

edited Sep 24 '13 at 18:27

answered Sep 24 '13 at 18:21

Mr. B.

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score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 24 '13 at 18:21

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Before PHP 5.4.0, this syntax required the short_open_tag flag to be enabled. Since 5.4.0, it's always usable.

answered Sep 24 '13 at 18:21

Jon Newmuis

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Can syntax cause problems?

2 Answers2

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