utf-8 bom and headers in php [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
“Warning: Headers already sent” in PHP

When I create my php files with utf-8 bom, the header() function doesn't work because the bom chars are sent before the http headers.

• Does it mean that we shouldn't use bom in php source files?
• Is it a feature or bug?
• And what are your advices when working with utf-8 encoded php source files?

Answer 1

BOM is actual data sent to the browser and however the browser will ignore it, once it is sent you are unable to send headers unless you use output buffering. In general do not use BOM. If your text editor you work with requires BOM, then change the editor to something less outdated.

Answer 2

• The BOM is useless in UTF-8.
• It's neither. PHP is working as intended. Your file consists of this, and PHP is working as intended, because it outputs all data before the opening <?php tag first:

--

<byte order mark><?php // code here

--

• Don't use BOM.