Why is the PHP mysql Extension Deprecated, and What are the Alternatives?

The mysql Extension: Deprecated and Destined for Removal

When attempting to connect to a MySQL server from PHP, you may encounter an error message stating that the mysql extension is deprecated. This error occurs due to the official deprecation of the ext/mysql PHP extension in PHP v5.5.0 and its subsequent removal in PHP v7.

Causes of Deprecation

The mysql extension was introduced in PHP v2.0 and has remained largely unchanged since 2006. It lacks support for modern features such as transactions, stored procedures, and prepared statements, which have proven critical for addressing security vulnerabilities.

Solutions

To address this issue, consider migrating to one of the two alternative MySQL extensions: MySQLi or PDO_MySQL. Both extensions have been part of PHP core since v5.0 and offer significant advantages over the obsolete mysql extension.

Suppressing Deprecation Errors

While it is possible to suppress deprecation errors by modifying php.ini to exclude E_DEPRECATED, it is strongly discouraged. This method not only masks the imminent removal of the mysql extension but also suppresses all other E_DEPRECATED errors, potentially leading to unforeseen issues in future PHP versions.

Considerations for Developers

New Projects: Avoid using ext/mysql in new projects and opt for MySQLi or PDO_MySQL instead.

Legacy Codebases: Perform thorough regression testing to identify potential issues before upgrading PHP. If database access methods are modularized, consider rewriting them using a newer extension. If not, weigh the benefits of upgrading PHP against the risks of deprecation errors.

Third-Party Projects: Check with project developers for fixes or guidance. Suppressing deprecation errors may be a temporary solution, but regression testing is crucial.

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