$name = $email = $gender = $comment = $website = "";
if ($_ SERVER ["REQUEST_METHOD"] = "POST") {
$name = test_input ($_ POST ["name"]);
$email = test_input ($_ POST ["email"]);
$website = test_input ($_ POST ["website"]);
$comment = test_input ($_ POST ["comment"]);
$gender = test_input ($_ POST ["gender"]);
}
is more standardized, because many languages must first define variables when using variables. Although php does not have such a mandatory requirement, it is easier for everyone to understand if it is written this way. Is that the reason?