Difference between require() and include() in PHP
Last Updated :
16 Apr, 2024
In this article, we will see the require() and include() Functions in PHP, along with understanding their basic implementation through the illustration. Both require() and include() Functions are utilized to add the external PHP files in the current PHP script. With this, both functions enhance the code reusability, along with breaking down large applications into smaller, more manageable parts.
The require() function in PHP is basically used to include the contents/code/data of one PHP file to another PHP file. During this process, if there are any kind of errors then this require() function will pop up a warning along with a fatal error and it will immediately stop the execution of the script. In order to use this require() function, we will first need to create two PHP files. Using the require() function, include one PHP file into another one. After that, you will see two PHP files combined into one HTML file.
Example 1: This example illustrates the basic implementation of the require() Function in PHP.
HTML
<html>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to geeks for geeks!</h1>
<p>Myself, Gaurav Gandal</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<?php require 'GFG.php'; ?>
</body>
</html>
<?php
echo "
<p>visit Again-" . date("Y") . " geeks for geeks.com</p>
";
?>
Output:
The include() function in PHP is basically used to include the contents/code/data of one PHP file to another PHP file. During this process if there are any kind of errors then this include() function will pop up a warning but unlike the require() function, it will not stop the execution of the script rather the script will continue its process. In order to use this include() function, we will first need to create two PHP files. Using the include() function, include one PHP file into another one. After that, you will see two PHP files combined into one HTML file.Â
Example 2: This example illustrates the basic implementation of the include() Function in PHP.
HTML
<html>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to geeks for geeks!</h1>
<p>Myself, Gaurav Gandal</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<?php include 'GFG.php'; ?>
</body>
</html>
<?php
echo "
<p>Visit Again; " . date("Y") . " Geeks for geeks.com</p>
";
?>
Output:
Difference between require() and include() Functions:
| Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â include() | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â require() |
| The include() function does not stop the execution of the script even if any error occurs. | The require() function will stop the execution of the script when an error occurs. |
| The include() function does not give a fatal error. | The require() function gives a fatal error |
| The include() function is mostly used when the file is not required and the application should continue to execute its process when the file is not found. | The require() function is mostly used when the file is mandatory for the application. |
| The include() function will only produce a warning  (E_WARNING) and the script will continue to execute. | The require() will produce a fatal error (E_COMPILE_ERROR) along with the warning and the script will stop its execution. |
| The include() function generate various functions and elements that are reused across many pages taking a longer time for the process completion. | The require() function is more in recommendation and considered better whenever we need to stop the execution incase of availability of file, it also saves time avoiding unnecessary inclusions and generations. |
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