{Semi-Resolved} MyBB 'Variable Scope' 101

[Firefox Wins]

Variable Scope may not be the exact term, but the idea is similar.

This doesn't work:*

PHP Code:

define("IN_MYBB", 1); require_once "./global.php"; // include file *after* define("IN_MYBB... require_once "./inc/var/example2.php";

---

*The variables in './inc/var/example2.php', are not set or available.

This works:*

PHP Code:

// include file before define("IN_MYBB... require_once "./inc/var/example2.php"; define("IN_MYBB", 1); require_once "./global.php";

---

*The variables in './inc/var/example2.php', are set and available to use.

A) None of the variables in 'example2.php' conflict with MyBB standard vars.
B) The 'disappearing vars' are *not* being used inside a function.
C) How come 'they' cannot be included*** after  define("IN_MYBB", 1);  ?

***I'm certain the above is true in at least one case, any idea why?
Thanks for advice.