PHP tags, what is the difference and how important

Hi I am working with a script that I downloaded and instead of <php? it has <?. It works and all but I saw a post on some help for this script that doesn't have support anymore. It stated that you need to put the php in it.

Was wondeing what is the difference and why? Also do I need to go through the entire script and put them in everywhere or just at the start of the page?

 

The first is a safe open and close tag variation, the second is the so called short-open tag.
I always use the first one as my solutioon as the second one is not always available.
I advise to use the first option if it's possible. You could check the availability of short open tags in php.ini, at the short_open_tag.

 

Thanks for the reply. I thought it might have been a security problem or something. It all seems to be working either way so I guess it is allowed in the php.ini. You know the old saying if it aint broke don't fix it. This wouldn't cause any problems with other browsers would it? Or is it just how the host reads the php.?

 

The browsers wont see any of the PHP as the server translates it before it serves the page. If it works, it works. Just make sure you remember to check your php.ini file if you change servers, as I know I have short tags disabled on mine from the default install.