Why Should I Stop Using mysql_* Functions in PHP?

Why Abandon mysql_* Functions in PHP

Over the years, the mysql_* functions in PHP have become unreliable for several technical reasons, prompting concerns for developers.

• Functional Obsolescence: The MySQL extension, which houses the mysql_* functions, is no longer under active development. Its official deprecation in PHP 5.5 and subsequent removal in PHP 7.0 render it a legacy technology with no security maintenance.
• Absence of Modern Features: Compared to other PHP database extensions, mysql_* functions lack support for crucial features such as prepared statements, stored procedures, transactions, and modern password authentication methods. These deficiencies limit their versatility and impede the adoption of advanced database practices.
• Error-Prone Parameterization: Without the support of prepared statements, external data must be manually escaped and quoted with a separate function call like mysql_real_escape_string(). This process is prone to errors and poses security risks, as it can lead to SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Using mysql_* functions diminishes your code's future compatibility and introduces security concerns. Consider transitioning to alternative database extensions such as PDO or mysqli, which offer improved functionality, reduced error susceptibility, and stronger security.

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