Which method of variable setting is better?

Question

So just to better myself I'm wondering which method is better for setting a variable:

Code: http://pastie.org/private/jkw9dxplv0ixovvc0omq

Method 1: Set the end variable in the if statement

-OR-

Method 2: Set a default variable and only change it's value if needed.

I hope this makes sense.

Thank in advance!

Answer 1

<?php
    $value = 10;
    $x = 'no';

    if($value == 10){
        $x = 'yes';
    }
?>

Method two.