[UPHPU] require_once vs. class_exists

[Rusty Keele]

Sean <sean at lookin3d.com> wrote: This IMHO is the best way. Also the most optimal. The reason is you may 
or may not need to the class you are including at the top of your 
script. It could be contingent on a condition(s)

example

include 'Some_Class.php';

if(someCondition) {
    $class = new Some_Class();
} else {
   
}


__autoload make this more optimal by only including the classes you are 
actually using.

...

>
> There is also a 3rd way... Autoloading.
> http://us2.php.net/autoload
> You can write your own custom __autoload function to require the files
> you need if a class doesn't exists.  It is very similar to #2, but can
> automate it for all classes.
>
> --lonnie
>
  

--------------------

    Good point about autoloading.  After reading the PHP manual entry for class_exists() I see that it has an optional second argument (default is TRUE) which will cause PHP to attempt to autoload the class if it doesn't exist.

http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.class-exists.php

    This makes me think that using class_exist() is a good way to go because you get __autoload for free!

-Rusty


       
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