Should You Omit the PHP Closing Tag?

Avoiding Empty Whitespace: The Case of Omitting PHP Closing Tag

Some PHP scripts notably omit the closing tag, <?php>. This unconventional practice raises the question of why it's done and whether it's a recommended technique.

Why is the Closing Tag Omitted?

Omitting the closing tag serves one primary purpose: to prevent empty whitespace from appearing at the end of the script. Any characters inadvertently added after the closing tag can trigger errors, particularly when attempting to modify header information later.

Is Omitting the Closing Tag a Good Practice?

The removal of the closing tag has become a common practice in the PHP community. Many coding guidelines suggest its removal as a means of avoiding potential whitespace issues. This practice ensures that scripts remain clean, reducing the chances of unexpected errors.

Benefits of Omitting the Closing Tag

• Eliminates whitespace at the end of the file, preventing potential errors.
• Improves code readability by simplifying script structure.
• Follows coding guidelines and best practices.

Conclusion

While omitting the PHP closing tag is not mandatory, it's a widely accepted practice recommended by coding guidelines. By eliminating potential whitespace issues, it enhances the reliability and readability of PHP scripts, leading to improved code quality.

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