Does "header()" Function Stop Execution Of The Script?

Volitics

Below is a script that I'm using to redirect a user. The first snippet redirects the user to the "BackToStart.php" page but deletes the files below it. The second snippet redirects the user to the "BackToStart.php" page and does not delete the files.

1). Is PHP supposed to execute the remainder of the script on the page below the header function?

2). Or, is a script supposed to just redirect the user to the location indicated in the header and completely stop execution of the script below header function?

It looks like the script keeps executing below the header() function. Am I right or is it just something else that I'm overlooking?

/* First script - header works but DELETES FILES! */
if ($CountFiles == NULL ) {
header ("Location: http://www.mydomain.com/oop/BackToStart.php");
}

// ----- Routine to delete files here. ------



/* Second script - header works, no files deleted. */
if ($CountFiles == NULL ) {
header ("Location: http://www.mydomain.com/oop/BackToStart.php");
}else{

// ------ Routine to delete files here. ------

}

Thanks.

LordShryku

header() does a lot more than just redirect users. It can be used to set any header functions on a page(like expiration). Therefore, yes, the script is supposed to finish after a header call. If you don't want it to, I'd suggest putting a die() in there too.

Volitics

LordShryku;

Thank you for the help.

superwormy

header() DOES NOT end the execution of a script.

However, many browsers, when they recieve a header ("Location: ") redirect, they cut the connection and just go to the redirected page.

You'll see if you do soemthing like:
header ("Content-type: text/plain");

...the script keeps on exeucting, outputing stuf as plain text instead of HTML ( assuming your browser cooperates, IE doesnt often, stupid M$ )

As a matter of fact, headers are the FIRST thing that a browser gets, much less the last, as it would be if script exeucting stopped after headers were sent.

If you want the script to end after a call to header(), put an exit(); right after the header(); call.

LordShryku

What I meant by finish was finish executing.

Yeah, I guess I did word that pretty bad.

superwormy

Op, yeah I reread and noticed just the way you worded it was kinda confusing. I've already edited to reflect that. My booboo.

Volitics

LordShryku, superwormy;

Thanks for the help. I've been experimenting with die() and exit() this afternoon. They both work real good.

The script down below the header() kept deleting images that a previous script stored in a folder. The die() and exit() functions fixed my problem.

I'm still kind of a noob and just learning as I go.

Thanks again.