Why use dynamic_sidebar() conditionally?

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In the codex example of displaying sidebars, what is the significance of the conditional wrapping around the call to dynamic_sidebar? Why do this: 

<?php if ( dynamic_sidebar('example_widget_area_name') ) : else : endif; ?>

this seems to work ok:

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<?php dynamic_sidebar('example_widget_area_name'); ?>

Thanks,

Toby

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1 comment

  1. To quote the Codex

    The return value should be used to determine whether to display a static sidebar. This ensures that your theme will look good even when the Widgets plug-in is not active.

    So essentially you can use is to display other content if the user has not activated any widgets in the sidebar.