Kenoli wrote:

>
> I have never been able to derive a consistent rule for either of these
> two constructs.
>
> Does anyone know the rules here for when one or the other is required
> or not allowed?
>

Hi Kenoli,

It is explained very well in the manual - with examples.

The key part about curly braces is here.

http://www.php.net/manual/en/languag...arsing.complex

Regards

Ian