"it had to do with the server settings... The short_open_tag directive in php.ini was set to 0."
Do you think that is an ok way to describe the problem to a technically literate non php coder?
Sure.
Additionally, is there a good reference on the net that explains the differences between short open tags and normal open tags?
Main negative things I have read about short open tags:
1. Not as portable.
2. Security risk/less secure.
3. Will conflict with XML tags.
1 & 3 definitely. No idea how it's a security risk.
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