What is the difference between using single quotes and double quotes when assigning a string value in PHP?

In PHP, single quotes and double quotes can be used to assign string values. The main difference between the two is that double quotes allow for the interpretation of variables and special characters within the string, while single quotes treat everything literally. When using double quotes, PHP will parse variables and special characters enclosed within them, while single quotes will treat them as plain text. It is important to choose the appropriate quotation marks based on whether variable interpolation or special character interpretation is needed in the string.

// Using double quotes for variable interpolation
$name = "John";
echo "Hello, $name!"; // Output: Hello, John!

// Using single quotes to treat everything literally
$name = "John";
echo 'Hello, $name!'; // Output: Hello, $name!