Can I create my own constants using the same names as built-in constants in PHP?

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my personal experience regarding using the same names for custom constants as the built-in constants in PHP. In my opinion, it is generally best to avoid doing so.

Early in my PHP learning journey, I didn't realize the impact it could have, and I ended up using the same names as built-in constants without considering the consequences. While it worked initially, as the codebase grew and other developers joined the project, it became a nightmare to maintain and debug.

Conflicts arose because my custom constants unintentionally interfered with the behavior of the built-in ones. This made it difficult to track down bugs and understand the intended purpose of the constants in the code.

To avoid similar issues, I now strictly follow the practice of using unique names for my custom constants. It not only prevents conflicts but also enhances code clarity, making it easier for other developers to comprehend and work with my code.

In summary, based on my own experience, I strongly advise against using the same names for custom constants as the built-in constants in PHP. By choosing unique names, you can ensure the stability, readability, and maintainability of your codebase in the long run.

I hope this helps and saves you from the troubles I faced. Happy coding!

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Hey,

From my personal experience, I have actually used the same names for my own constants as the built-in constants in PHP, and it didn't cause any issues for me. However, I must clarify that it's not a recommended practice.

PHP allows you to define your own constants with the same names as the built-in ones, but it can make your code confusing and difficult to maintain. It might be fine for small projects where you have full control, but imagine collaborating with other developers or working on larger projects where consistency and readability are crucial.

By using the same names, you risk overwriting the behavior and purpose of the original built-in constants when other developers work on your codebase. Debugging an issue related to constants could become a real headache.

To avoid such problems, I would advise using unique names for your custom constants. It makes your code more readable, reduces the chance of conflicts, and promotes good coding practices that will benefit you and anyone who collaborates on your code in the future.

So, even though it's technically possible to use the same names, I strongly recommend against it to maintain clarity and prevent potential problems down the line.

Hey there!

In my experience, it is actually not recommended to create your own constants with the same names as the built-in constants in PHP. While it is technically possible to do so, it can lead to confusion and make your code harder to understand for other developers, including yourself in the future.

Using the same names as the built-in constants could potentially cause conflicts and unexpected behavior. For instance, when you use the constant name "TRUE" in your code, PHP will interpret it as the built-in constant, potentially overriding its original purpose.

Instead, I suggest using different names for your custom constants to avoid any confusion. You can always choose a naming convention that reflects the specific purpose of your constant, making your code more readable and maintainable.

By following proper coding practices and avoiding conflicts with built-in constants, you can ensure your code remains clear and scalable. Hope this helps!

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