If else embedding inside html

PHP and HTML: The BFFs

Keep it neat with PHP

Incorporate PHP if-else directly within HTML but ensure readability:

<?php if ($userIsOnline): ?>
  <div>Welcome back, human!</div> <!-- I mean, you could be a robot for all I know -->
<?php else: ?>
  <div>Login, please. Don't make me ask twice!</div>
<?php endif; ?>


You could opt for short_open_tag ( <? ) for brevity, but remember, it's like a ticking time bomb due to deprecation issues.

Short and sweet with inline PHP

For simplicity, use inline expressions for straightforward conditions:

<p>Status: <?= $isLoggedIn ? 'Logged In' : 'Logged Out' ?></p> <!-- Schrödinger's login status -->


Using PHP like this has one caveat: it morphs your webpage into a static mummy that can't respond without a page refresh.

Dance with JavaScript

For a responsive user experience, JavaScript or frontend frameworks swing in. These guys let your HTML breathe while allowing for dynamic updates:

<script>
  if (userIsOnline) {
    // Do fancy interactive things here
  }
</script>


Server-side, client-side, flip-side

The server-side story

Embedding PHP in HTML comes with its own server-side constraints. If your page is a hip-hop concert, this guy doesn't know how to breakdance. He prefers traditional dances like page refreshes.

The client-side rhythm

JavaScript, on the other hand, is your breakdance champ for client-side operations. It can react to user actions immediately unlike the traditionalist PHP:

<script>
  if (userIsOnline) {
    // Let's breakdance in the user's browser!
  }
</script>


The performance dance-off

When swaying with PHP or JavaScript, mind your performance steps. Too many PHP moves make the server pant while excessive JavaScript twirls load the browser.

Steps to good code

Follow the salsa steps of best practices such as commenting, making your code understandable, and keeping your dance partners (colleagues) in mind.

The dance of use-cases

Dynamic doesn't mean interactive

PHP in HTML is terrific for content that doesn't change after the initial page load:

<img src="<?= $userIsLoggedIn ? '/images/happy-face.jpg' : '/images/sad-face.jpg' ?>">
<!-- Choose your face, but only once or I'll pout! -->


But it can't react to user actions afterwards, it's not much of a social butterfly.

If conditions were dance moves

Sometimes, you have complex dance moves. JavaScript is ideal for those:

<script>
  // Your complex dance moves coded here, let's break it down!
</script>


Readable code is reusable code

Whoever you dance with, write clean code that others can reuse in their own routines. Keeping your choreography clean ensures your team won't step on each other's toes.