Beginning PHP and MySQL: From Novice to Professional, Third Edition

CHAPTER 30Using PHP with MySQL

PHP has supported MySQL since version 2. In fact, using MySQL with PHP eventually became so commonplace that for several years it was actually enabled by default. But perhaps the most indicative evidence of the strong bonds between the two technology camps was the release of an updated MySQL extension with PHP 5, known as MySQL Improved (and typically referred to as mysqli).

So why the need for a new extension? The reason is twofold. First, MySQL's rapid evolution prevented users who were relying on the original extension from taking advantage of new features such as prepared statements, advanced connection options, and security enhancements. Second, while the original extension certainly served programmers well, ...