underlying difference between elseif vs else if
<p>I was wondering the differnce between <code>elseif</code> and <code>else if</code>. </p>

<p>I was reading <a href="http://php.net/manual/en/control-structures.elseif.php" rel="nofollow">the manual</a> which says if using the braces <code>{}</code> they are treated the same but only <code>elseif</code> works when not using the braces.</p>

<p>Also another contributer said:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Note that } elseif() { is somewhat faster than } else if() {</p>
</blockquote>

<p>and he backed it up with a benchmark test.</p>

<p>To me it seems like elseif is the true way of saying it and saying:</p>

<pre><code>else if() {...}
</code></pre>

<p>is really the equivalent of:</p>

<pre><code>else { if() {...} }
</code></pre>

<p>which might explain why its marginally slower.</p>

<p>I am used to using <code>else if</code> because thats how I do it in other languages as well. I don't really think it matters which way you type it (unless you are not using braces.. but I think its always good to use braces anyways) I was just curious about the underlying details. </p>

<p>Am I correct?</p>
