Difference between require() and include() in PHP (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

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.

**PHP require() Function

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 `

Welcome to geeks for geeks!

Myself, Gaurav Gandal

Thank you

GFG.php

visit Again-" . date("Y") . " geeks for geeks.com

"; ?>

**Output:

**PHP include() Function

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.

**Example 2: This example illustrates the basic implementation of the include() Function in PHP.