PHP - exit or return which is better

Question

Case I:

<?php
if ( $fileSize > 100 )
{
   $results['msg'] = 'fileSize is too big!';
   echo json_encode( $results );
   exit();
}

Case II:

<?php
if ( $fileSize > 100 )
{
   $results['msg'] = 'fileSize is too big!';
   exit( json_encode( $results ) );
}

Case III:

<?php
if ( $fileSize > 100 )
{
   $results['msg'] = 'fileSize is too big!';
   return( json_encode( $results ) );
}

In the PHP script, if the $fileSize variable is larger than 100, I stop the script;

Which of the three (3) options above is the best?

Answer 1

As you using exit and return it's basically the same behavior. The difference, in this case, will appear if your file is called through include() or require(). the exit will terminate the program, while the return will take the control back to the calling script.

I hope this helps you.