title: General php format
body: <p>So, I am just familiarizing myself with php and I see that there are few alternative formats when it comes to writing in php.</p>
  
  <p>What I am confused about is the "dots" or their placements as well other stuffs such as "_".</p>
  
  <p>For example, </p>
  
  <pre><code>&lt;?php
      if(!empty($my_post))
      {
      echo $my_post . ' ' . __('my_post','my_site') . ' + ';
      } 
  ?&gt;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>It might be a really silly question but could someone explain to me what the function of "dots" in between and just the format itself.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>