Hi everyone,
I was wondering about the best practice for closing PHP code blocks with the closing `?>` tag. I've come across various scenarios where people have different opinions on whether it is necessary to include it or not. Some argue that since it is optional, it's better to omit it to prevent any accidental whitespace or new line characters after the closing tag, which could cause issues.
On the other hand, some developers argue that including the closing tag is good practice for consistency and readability. They believe that it clearly indicates the end of the PHP code block and helps in code organization.
I wanted to hear your thoughts and experiences on this matter. Do you always include the closing `?>` tag in your PHP code blocks, or do you prefer to leave it out? Are there any specific reasons or guidelines you follow when making this decision?
Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
In my personal experience, I have found that including the closing `?>` tag in PHP code blocks can sometimes lead to unnecessary errors or inconsistencies. There have been occasions where accidental whitespace or new line characters after the closing tag caused issues, resulting in unexpected output or syntax errors.
To avoid such problems, I have adopted the practice of omitting the closing `?>` tag altogether. This has helped me ensure that there are no unintentional characters after the code block, eliminating any potential problems. It also follows the recommendation of some PHP coding standards, which suggest that the closing tag is not necessary in pure PHP files.
Additionally, leaving out the closing tag promotes code consistency because all code blocks end the same way, regardless of whether it's a PHP file or a file with mixed HTML and PHP code. It also reduces the chances of accidentally introducing bugs by adding unwanted content after the closing tag.
However, I understand that some developers prefer to include the closing tag for readability and to clearly indicate the code block's end. I believe it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the coding standards followed by your team or project.