include_once() vs. include()

[Anon]

In what situation would I want to avoid using include_once()?

Since include_once() does some checking, why not always use it?

[[deleted]]

include_once() does exaclty that, include once.
You'd avoid using include_inco() whenever you want to include more than once.

For example if you have an include file that prints an HTML dropdown menu.
You may want to print two menu's, so you include the file twice.

[Anon]

I see - that's a good example. I typically use includes for functions, and without include_once(), then I run into problems when I include() a file that does a include() inside itself (a dependency is created).

My solution before I know about include_once() was to, as a rule of thumb, try my best to not create so many dependencies -- but sometimes it's really hard.

include_once() seems to solve this problem -- just trying to look before I leap.

Thanks for your input.