What does this function do?

PHP
1

Hi Guys,

What does this function do?

function filterData($data){
	if(is_array($data))
		$data = array_map("filterData", $data);
	else		
		$data = htmlentities($data, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
	
	return $data;
}
2

This escapes data for output to the browser.

If an array is passed then it uses recursion. Calling the same function for each array key value.

3

Thanks Chris! I assumed the same thing, but was not sure about the recursion.

4

I’ll never understand why the set variables in functions when they can just return…


function encodeHtml ( $data ) {
  if ( is_array( $data ) )
    return array_map( __FUNCTION__, $data );

  return htmlentities( $data, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8' );
}

Probably just me but I find that a little more clear and readable. Maybe…

  • Also changed the name, filter would mean you are pulling things out not encoding.