PHP library options

Square1

Hi all:

I am running PHP on Windows. I believe that there are different library options available to connect PHP to MYSQL, PDO, MySQLli, and probably others I am not aware of.

I am making the switch from ASP Classic. About 350 pages need to be recoded so I want to make sure I do it right the first time.

Which library do you recommend? Why? Are all compatible with IIS7? Is one faster than another? Any pitfalls using one over another long term, for example potential obsolescence (like ASP Classic:mad🙂?

Thanks for your input. This is a great community!

bradgrafelman

One suggestion I can make is to not consider the [man]mysql[/man] library of functions ([man]mysql_connect/man, [man]mysql_query/man, etc.); it's an old/outdated library that should not be considered for new PHP projects.

Other than that, I don't have any experience with [man]PDO[/man] - I personally only use [man]MySQLi[/man]. And yes, both will work just fine with IIS7.

DaveRandom

I agree, and I would add that you should do your best to avoid MSSQL if at all possible, it is a total PITA - both the PHP interface to it, and MSSQL itself, are difficult to install/configure correctly and don't work 100% reliably in my experience (having said this I have yet to try SqlSrv).

The only reason you should ever use this is if you have to integrate with a pre-existing DB.

Square1

Thanks a lot guys.

I do have php_mysqli.dll in my ext folder so I guess I am set. Is the only difference in the connection/sql just adding the "i"?

DaveRandom

MySQLi should really be used in OO-style code (in my view), but there are procedural equivalents - see this page.