How 8 spaces in php file can cause apache to crash?

Question

I am working on a project developed using the Zend Framework and decided to work a little at home, but I encountered an unusual problem: when I open the home page of this site on my local computer, it immediately closes connetcion and a Windows error message appears stating that apache crashed (but in fact it is not).

So, switching to other versions of the project, I found that the problem occurs when one of the Zend Framework files (actually the Zend_Auth class) has 8 spaces in one of the methods (one of our team changed this file and then deleted it changes, leaving spaces there).

An interesting thing: if I delete or add space to the line, this will cause the site to work fine, if I return these 8 spaces, it will be broken again.

My specifications:

Windows 7 Apache 2.2.22 (from www.apachelounge.com) installed as a service (runs on a system user account) PHP 5.3

EDIT: if anyone is interested, these spaces are in the Auth.php file (Zend_Auth class) on line 118. You can try it in your settings projects.

Answer 1

This is a shot in the dark, but then this is a strange problem: do you have a case: “Bush hid the facts” is a surprise? (see also this SO question ). It smells somehow, as adding or removing space makes the problem go away ... and you said you were using Windows.