PHP Echo vs. Short Echo Tags (?=): Which is Safer and More Performant?

PHP Echo vs PHP Short Tags: Implications on Safety and Performance

While PHP echo is prevalent, concerns have arisen regarding the safety and performance implications of using the PHP short echo tags (?=). This article aims to shed light on these concerns and provide clarity on the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Short Tags: Safety Considerations

Contrary to popular belief, the short echo tag (?=) is not a short open tag but a shorthand echo statement. It is equivalent to using

In terms of security, both echo and short echo tags require appropriate data encoding to prevent output vulnerabilities. Encoding should adhere to the output medium's rules, such as HTML or JavaScript.

Disadvantages of Short Tags

Although shorthand echo is safe, it can be problematic in certain scenarios:

• Limited availability: Short tags may not be enabled on all servers, potentially causing compatibility issues.
• Less readable: Short tags can make code less readable, especially for beginners.

Advantages of Echo

• Reliability: Echo is always available and not subject to server configuration.
• Readability: Echo is more explicit and contributes to code clarity.

Conclusion

While both echo and the short echo tag (?=) are safe when used with appropriate data encoding, echo is the recommended option due to its availability, readability, and compatibility. It is essential to note that short open tags (?<) should be avoided due to their potential for compatibility issues.

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