Error Handling | Generates a warning and continues execution if the included file is not found or failed to load. | Generates a fatal error and stops the script execution if the required file is not found or failed to load. |
Inclusion | Non-mandatory inclusion. The script will continue even if the included file is missing. | Mandatory inclusion. The script will halt if the required file is missing. |
Impact on Execution | If the include file fails to load, the script continues running with missing functionality. | If the required file fails to load, the script execution stops entirely. |
Use Case | Suitable for files that are not essential for the script’s functionality, and missing inclusion can be handled gracefully. | Suitable for files that contain vital functions, configurations, or dependencies necessary for the script’s operation. |
Syntax | include ‘filename.php’; or include_once ‘filename.php’; (to include the file only once). | require ‘filename.php’; or require_once ‘filename.php’; (to require the file only once). |