Syntax query

[jc94062]

In the past I've always used $i++, all the books have used this, every script I've seen and everyone I know who programs uses this.

However, for some reason this guy at Uni likes ++i (Java), obviously ++$i for PHP.
And for the first time ever I've seen it used on php.net.

Now, as far as I know the difference is very very small and basically never makes a difference, so who out there uses $i++, and who uses ++$i?

IS there a reason why I should ALWAYS use ++$i (other than the auto marking system doesn't give me full marks if I use the other way?)

Thanks!

[ace21]

$i++ uses the value of $i and then increments it.
++$1 increments $i and then uses the new value.

Hope this helps
Ace21

[[deleted]]

Look at the output of this script:

$i=0;
while ($i<10)
{
echo $i++;
};

echo '<BR>';

$i=0;
while ($i<10)
{
echo ++$i;
};

[jc94062]

Okay, I guess I can see that, ie the bottom one starts at 1, which is a little stupid imho, if you wanted it to do that for some odd reason, $i=1; would work just as well :-)

[[deleted]]

Yes it's a very trivial difference indeed.