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The mysql_*
functions in PHP have been deprecated since PHP version 5.5 and have been completely removed in PHP 7.0. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t use mysql_*
functions:
- Security Concerns: The
mysql_*
functions do not provide built-in protection against SQL injection attacks. If user input is not properly sanitized before being used in SQL queries, your application could be vulnerable to malicious attacks. - Outdated: The
mysql_*
functions have been deprecated for a long time and are no longer maintained. This means they may not be updated with the latest security patches or improvements. - Performance and Features: Modern alternatives like MySQLi (MySQL Improved) and PDO (PHP Data Objects) provide better performance and more features compared to the old
mysql_*
functions. These newer libraries support features like prepared statements, transactions, and object-oriented interfaces. - Prepared Statements: Prepared statements, available in MySQLi and PDO, help prevent SQL injection by separating SQL logic from user input. They also improve performance by allowing the database to optimize query execution.
- Object-Oriented Approach: Both MySQLi and PDO offer object-oriented interfaces, which can lead to cleaner and more maintainable code.
- Compatibility: The
mysql_*
functions have been removed in PHP 7.0 and later versions, so using them will make your code incompatible with newer PHP versions.
To address these concerns, it’s recommended to use either MySQLi or PDO for database interactions in PHP. Both options provide better security, performance, and maintainability. When choosing between MySQLi and PDO, consider your project’s specific requirements and your familiarity with the libraries.