How can I end a included PHP script without ending the including Script?

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In PHP, you cannot directly "end" or "stop" an included script without also stopping the including script. However, you can use some techniques to control the flow of execution in the included script and stop it from executing further without affecting the including script.

One common approach is using return statements, which will halt the execution of the current file and return control to the including script. Here's an example:

main.php:

<?php
echo "Before include\n";
include 'included.php';
echo "After include\n";

included.php:

<?php
echo "Inside included script - start\n";
if (/* some condition */) {
    return;
}
echo "Inside included script - end\n";

Depending on the condition in the included.php file, you may or may not see the "Inside included script - end" output. However, the execution of main.php will continue regardless, and you'll see the "After include" output.

Keep in mind that using return inside an included script will only work if you're using include or require to include the script. If you're using includeonce or requireonce, the script will only be executed once, so the return statement will have no effect on subsequent inclusions.