title: PHP shell_exec() vs exec()
body: <p>I'm struggling to understand the difference between <code>shell_exec()</code> and <code>exec()</code>...</p>
  
  <p>I've always used <code>exec()</code> to execute server side commands, when would I use <code>shell_exec()</code>?</p>
  
  <p>Is <code>shell_exec()</code> just a shorthand for <code>exec()</code>?  It seems to be the same thing with fewer parameters.</p>