What is the purpose of the virtual() function in PHP and how does it differ from include and require?

The virtual() function in PHP is used to include and execute an external PHP file within the current script. It differs from include and require in that it allows the included file to be executed as if it were part of the current script, rather than just including its contents. This can be useful for dynamically including files based on certain conditions or for executing PHP code from a different location. 

<?php

// Using the virtual() function to include and execute an external PHP file
virtual('/path/to/external/file.php');

?>

Keywords

virtual function include require PHP differences

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