Echo vs Print
Echo and print are perhaps one of the most interchanged PHP output. These two commands which are mainly used to place output information to the visitor’s screen, such as like in the web page give the same action. But is there really a difference between them?
Echo
Echo is a statement in which it does not return the valueprint. It is not considered as a function so one is not required to use a parenthesis with the command even though it wants to pass more than one parameter and it cannot be used in the context of function. It also has a shortcut syntax, wherein one can immediately input the opening tag with an equals sign.
Print is not considered as a real function, so you are not required to use a parenthesis in executing an output. It will also return true or false values depending if it has been successful or not just like a normal function. It constructs but takes multiple parameters and it can pass an argument. However, even though this is language construct but not a function, it cannot be called using variable functions.
Difference between Echo and Print
Maximizing the print method is helpful in terms of script execution since it returns the value. Echo on the other hand, does not return a value but is considered as a faster executed c
ommand. Echo however can take multiple expressions which print cannot do, also since echo does not return a value, it has better performance in terms of speed, having a true echo is considered to be better. Print is part of the precedence table which it needs to be if it is used within a complex expression, though it is at the bottom of the precedence list.
Bottom-line, the difference lies in the actual preference of the user. Though they may be different, but these dissimilarities are little importance when it comes to total output, of course if you are really conscious with regard to finishing the task on time.
In brief:
• Echo is not considered as a function so one is not required to use a parenthesis with the command even though it wants to pass more than one parameter and it cannot be used in the context of function.
• Echo however can take multiple expressions which print cannot do, also since echo does not return a value, it has better performance in terms of speed.
• Print will also return true or false values depending if it has been successful or not just like a normal function. It is part of the precedence table which it needs to be if it is used within a complex expression.