What is this symbol?

[Trium918]

Could someone please explain to me what do

the symbol @ does in the script below?

 

1.) What is the name of this symbol?

2.) What does it do?

3.) When to use it?

 

<?php
function db_connect()
{
   $result = @mysql_pconnect("localhost", "content", "password"); 
   if (!$result)
      return false;
   if (!@mysql_select_db("content"))
      return false;

   return $result;
}
?>

[Voldemort]

The @ tells the program to ignore any errors.

 

Example:

<?php
// "index2.htm" doesn't exist
include("index2.htm"); // will produce an error
@include("index2.htm"); // will just ignore it if it doesn't find it
?>

[Trium918]

Ok thanks, and the name of the symbol.

[AndyB]

It's name?  Good question - here's the answer: http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutsymbols/atsign?view=uk