根據 php.ini-dist 的說明，二者不同之處在於 php.ini-dist 適合開發程式使用，而 php.ini-recommended 擁有較高的安全性設定，則適合上線當產品使用。

原文說明如下:

This is the default settings file for new PHP installations.
By default, PHP installs itself with a configuration suitable for
development purposes, and *NOT* for production purposes.
For several security-oriented considerations that should be taken
before going online with your site, please consult php.ini-recommended
and http://php.net/manual/en/security.php.