How to Connect to MySQL Using PHP without the Deprecated mysql Extension

Learn the step-by-step process to connect to MySQL in PHP using the improved mysqli and PDO extensions, avoiding the deprecated mysql extension.
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How to Connect to MySQL Using PHP without the Deprecated mysql Extension

In the ever-evolving world of technology, it's crucial to stay updated with the latest practices. One such update in the PHP world is the deprecation of the mysql extension. It's now recommended to use either the mysqli (MySQL Improved) extension or the PDO (PHP Data Objects) extension. This guide will walk you through how to connect to a MySQL database using both these modern alternatives.

Connecting Using mysqli

The mysqli extension offers both procedural and object-oriented ways to connect to a database. Here’s how to use both methods:

Procedural Style

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Object-Oriented Style

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Connecting Using PDO

PDO (PHP Data Objects) is a database access layer providing a uniform method of access to multiple databases. Here’s how to connect to a MySQL database using PDO:

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Choosing Between mysqli and PDO

Both mysqli and PDO have their advantages:

mysqli: If you are only working with MySQL databases and prefer using procedural or object-oriented style.

PDO: If you want to switch databases (like PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.) without changing your codebase extensively.

By using these modern methods, not only can you connect to MySQL more efficiently, but you also ensure your code is ready for future updates and changes in PHP.

Conclusion

The deprecation of the mysql extension marks an important shift in PHP's handling of database connectivity. By adopting mysqli or PDO, you are leveraging more secure, efficient, and versatile methods to interact with MySQL databases. Updating your PHP scripts to use either of these extensions is an essential step to ensure your code remains functional, secure, and future-proof.