? PHP MySQLi Prepare Function

? Quick Overview

The prepare() function in MySQLi is used to create prepared statements. Prepared statements separate SQL logic from data, making database operations safer, faster, and resistant to SQL injection attacks.

? Key Concepts

• Prepared statements use placeholders (?) instead of direct values.
• Data is bound separately using bind_param().
• The same statement can be executed multiple times with different values.

? Syntax / Theory

The process of using prepared statements involves four steps: prepare the query, bind parameters, execute the statement, and close resources.

? Code Example

// Create database connection
$servername = "localhost";
$username = "username";
$password = "password";
$dbname = "myDB";

$conn = new mysqli($servername, $username, $password, $dbname);
if ($conn->connect_error) {
die("Connection failed: " . $conn->connect_error);
}

// Prepare SQL statement with placeholders
$stmt = $conn->prepare("INSERT INTO users (first_name, last_name, email) VALUES (?, ?, ?)");

// Bind parameters to the statement
$first_name = "John";
$last_name = "Doe";
$email = "john.doe@example.com";
$stmt->bind_param("sss", $first_name, $last_name, $email);

// Execute prepared statement
if ($stmt->execute()) {
echo "Record inserted successfully. ID: " . $stmt->insert_id;
} else {
echo "Error: " . $stmt->error;
}

// Close statement and connection
$stmt->close();
$conn->close();

? Live Output / Explanation

? Interactive Concept Flow

• Prepare → Bind → Execute → Close
• This flow ensures secure and efficient query execution.

? Use Cases

• User registration forms
• Login and authentication systems
• Secure data insertion, updates, and deletes