Do Prepared Statements Eliminate the Need for `mysql_real_escape_string()` in PHP?

Prepared Statements and Escaping: A Balancing Act

When using prepared statements in PHP, does one still need to employ mysql_real_escape_string() to prevent SQL injections? Let's examine a specific query and its implementation to answer this question.

Query and Implementation

<code class="php">$consulta = $_REQUEST["term"] . "%";

$sql = $db->prepare('select location from location_job where location like ?');

$sql->bind_param('s', $consulta);
$sql->execute();
$sql->bind_result($location);

$data = array();

while ($sql->fetch()) {
    $data[] = array('label' => $location);
}
?>

**The Dilemma**

The provided query aims to fetch locations that match the term entered in the $_REQUEST["term"] variable. While the usage of a prepared statement is commendable for preventing SQL injections, the implementation raises a query: is mysql_real_escape_string() still necessary in this case?

**The Verdict: No, but a Refinement is Suggested**

When using prepared statements, as long as they are employed correctly, they effectively shield against SQL injections. In this instance, mysql_real_escape_string() is redundant. However, a minor improvement can enhance the code's clarity and efficiency.

Rather than using bind_param('s', $consulta), it's more straightforward to pass parameters through the execute method, especially when utilizing the '?' placeholder. The updated code would be:
</code>

$sql->execute([$consulta]);

Why It Matters

Prepared statements with parameter binding ensure that external data cannot manipulate the SQL query. However, remember that SQL parameter binding alone does not guarantee safe display within HTML. For that, it's crucial to employ functions like htmlspecialchars() before outputting the query results.

The above is the detailed content of Do Prepared Statements Eliminate the Need for `mysql_real_escape_string()` in PHP?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!