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Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2025 23:24:55 +0200
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Subject: Re: [PHP-DEV] Split as an alias to explode
To: Vinicius Dias <carlosv775@gmail.com>
Cc: PHP internals <internals@lists.php.net>
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From: tim@bastelstu.be (=?UTF-8?Q?Tim_D=C3=BCsterhus?=)

Hi

On 8/15/25 23:18, Vinicius Dias wrote:
>> I don't see value in having multiple names for the same thing, that will just cause confusion for folks that are used to the other name.
> 
> This is also a very valid point and I understand this line of thought.
> My thought, though, is: people coming from different languages are
> used to seeing `split(str)` or `str.split()`, so this would make PHP a
> bit more familiar for them. Small changes like that can make a
> language more "liked" for people learning them, IMO.

These folks coming from other languages would naturally need to learn 
about `explode()`, since that's *everywhere* and folks that are already 
familiar with PHP are unlikely to go ahead and bulk replace everything. 
I also don't believe that a having a more familiar name for a single 
function in the stdlib is actually going to make a meaningful difference.

If *really* desired, `use function explode as split;` already works.

>> As implied above and also indicated by the changed labels on the PR: RFC please.
> 
> No problem. I'll send a new e-mail to the list asking for karma (or
> can this message in this thread serve as the request already)?

This thread should be sufficient. We would need your Wiki username, though.

Best regards
Tim Düsterhus