what is this:<?= in php ?

[haiku]

I needed a text editor today so I googled for one and got this one: freerte

in the example page there was this code:

initRTE('<?= $content; ?>', 'example.css');

which displayes the texteditor in the page. What I've found interesting about it, is this:

<?=

i've figure it out this is a replacement for

<?php echo...

but when I tried to get some answers none of the SEs I've used could came up with anything about it, the php manual gave an "internal Error", so I'm asking you (maybe you know) :
- what does it mean?
- is it safe to use it as it is? (I have php 5 installed at home)
- does it requires short tags on?

Thank you in advance

[felgall]

<?= is the short tag equivalent of <?php echo but it only works when short tags are turned on. Short tags are often turned off now as <? has other uses which can make coding a page harder and more confusing when it is turned on.

[AnthonySterling]

They are PHP Short-Tags, here's a quick Google result for you.

It is preferred they are tuned off normally.

SilverB.

[haiku]

thank you very much Stephen and SilverB.

that made it crystal clear. Thanks again

[JREAM]

I've found short tags not so good to use for compatibility, it's best to use whatever is the default settings which is short tags off.