How do I escape data before storing it in the database?

To escape data before storing it in the database in PHP, you have multiple options depending on the database extension you are using. - If you are using MySQLi or PDO, the recommended approach is to use prepared statements with parameter binding. Prepared statements automatically handle data escaping and prevent SQL injection by separating the data from the SQL query. You can bind variables to the prepared statement using placeholders, and the database driver takes care of proper escaping. This approach provides security, performance, and avoids the need for manual data escaping. - If you are using the MySQL extension, you can use the mysqli_real_escape_string() function to escape data before storing it in the database. This function escapes special characters in a string to make it safe for use in an SQL statement. However, using prepared statements with parameter binding is still the preferred approach over manual escaping. - Additionally, it's important to note that different databases and database extensions may have specific escaping functions or mechanisms. It's essential to refer to the documentation of the specific database and extension you are using for detailed guidance on escaping data.