Technical documentation isn’t always known for its excitement. However, some developers leave behind hidden messages or surprises called easter eggs. The official PHP documentation offers a delightful easter egg for those with a musical ear: references to the beloved alternative rock band They Might Be Giants (TMG).
Unfamiliar with TMG? Their music is known for quirky lyrics and catchy melodies, earning them a devoted following. But how exactly do these TMG references appear within the typically dry PHP docs?
Spotting the TMG References
The TMG references in the PHP documentation are subtle. They require a keen eye to catch. These hidden gems can be function names, variable names, or even comments within the documentation. For instance, some developers have found a reference to the TMG song “James K. Polk” in the documentation for the fileperms function.
Why the TMG References?
The exact reason for these TMG references remains a mystery. Did a PHP developer who loves TMG’s music intentionally plant them? Or perhaps they were a more subtle tribute snuck in during the documentation process? Regardless of their origin, the TMG references add a touch of whimsy to the often dry and technical world of PHP documentation.
A Secret Among Developers
These hidden references create a sense of community and shared knowledge among PHP developers. They act like a secret handshake, a way for developers to recognize each other and appreciate the little details hidden within the tools they use every day.
Join the Hunt!
The next time you delve into the PHP documentation, keep an eye out for a quirky They Might Be Giants easter egg. You might discover a hidden lyric or a function name with a musical connection. Who knows, it might even inspire you to dig deeper and find your own easter eggs lurking in the code you write!
The PHP documentation is a vast resource, and these TMG references are just a small part of its charm. So next time you need to brush up on your PHP knowledge, take a moment to explore the documentation and see if you can uncover some hidden musical gems. You might be surprised by what you find.
