Should I use htmlspecialchars and mysql_real_escape_string both

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I have let the user to give some information. (name, date of birth etc). then I have to put these values to database. Should I use mysql_real_escape_string to prevent the mysql injection and htmlspecialchars to handle the html tags both or one of them can do the work?

If I should use one of them, then which one?
If I should use both then which one first and which one last?

Posted 11-Apr-11 4:06am

rashidfarooq

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Edem Kofi · Answer 1 · 2011-07-05T00:45:00

Solution 1

You can user htmlspecialchars if you are expecting the user to enter certain characters that need to be translated else it wouldn't be necessary.

But you can use both it will be to your advantage.

use htmlspecialchars first followed by mysql_real_escape_string

Posted 5-Jul-11 0:45am

Edem Kofi

Graham Breach · Answer 2 · 2011-07-05T01:17:00

Use mysql_real_escape_string when you are inserting into or updating a MySQL database.

Use htmlspecialchars when you are going to display something on an HTML page.

Using them like this means that you will store the input in the database as entered, but you can then use a different escape function depending on how you are going to display the data (HTML, LaTeX, plain text, etc.)

Patrick Wanjau · Answer 3 · 2012-10-17T10:04:00

I would recommend you use htmlspecialchars when the input from the user is expected to have special html characters such as the <, &, > signs, or any other characters that have special meaning in html. However, if you only expect your users to process only text, then it might not be a requirement.

On the other hand, mysql_real_escape_string is necessary to control what the users are storing in the database and to prevent sql injection. mysql_real_escape_string ensures that whatever the user enters is processed first before it is stored in the database and characters with special meaning to the sql engine is properly escaped.

If you plan to use both, please use the htmlspecialchars first, and then the mysql_real_escape_string follows, and not vice-versa.

Should I use htmlspecialchars and mysql_real_escape_string both

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