Why you should use mysql_* functions in PHP?

What are the Risks of using mysql_* Functions in PHP?

1. Simplicity and Familiarity

One of the primary reasons developers have used mysql_* functions is their simplicity and familiarity. These functions offer an uncomplicated way to connect to and interact with MySQL databases. Let’s take a look at a basic example:

PHP

<?php
   // Using mysql_* functions to connect and query the database
  $conn = mysql_connect("localhost", "username", "password");
  mysql_select_db("database", $conn);
  $result = mysql_query("SELECT * FROM users");
 
?>

Output

Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function mysql_connect() in /home/guest/sandbox/Solution.php:3
Stack trace:
#0 {main}
  thrown in /home/guest/sandbox/Solution.php on line 3

For developers who are new to PHP and MySQL, the straightforward nature of mysql_* functions can be appealing, as it allows them to quickly get started with database interactions.

2. Legacy Code Support

If you’re maintaining older PHP applications that use mysql_* functions, they may still work correctly. In such cases, rewriting the code to use modern database libraries might not be a priority, especially if the codebase is small and isolated.

What are the Risks of using mysql_* Functions in PHP?

MySQL functions in PHP, often referred to as mysql_* functions, have been a popular choice for developers to interact with MySQL databases. Did you say “NOT ANYMORE!“?

So now it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of mysql_* functions in PHP to determine whether they are a good or bad choice for your PHP projects. This discussion will help you determine if you should use mysql_* functions in PHP or not.