PHP get_html_translation_table() Function: Usage and Examples

Use get_html_translation_table() when you need to returns character-to-HTML-entity mappings used by PHP encoding functions in a PHP application. The examples below show the actual operation and its limitations.

What Is get_html_translation_table() in PHP?

Returns character-to-HTML-entity mappings used by PHP encoding functions. The exact signature supported by your installation depends on its PHP version and enabled extensions.

Its syntax is:

get_html_translation_table(int $table = ..., int $flags = ..., string $encoding = ...): array

Parameters and return value: The parameter types, optional arguments, references, and return type are shown in the signature above. Optional parameters are marked with an ellipsis in this reference signature.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

$table = get_html_translation_table(HTML_SPECIALCHARS); echo $table["<"];

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Example 2: Different Input or Behavior

<?php

echo count(get_html_translation_table(HTML_ENTITIES)) > 0 ? "Mappings found" : "Empty";

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

<?php

$table = get_html_translation_table(HTML_SPECIALCHARS, ENT_QUOTES, "UTF-8"); foreach (["<",">", "&"] as $character) echo $character . " => " . $table[$character] . PHP_EOL;

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

The flags and encoding determine the mappings; this function does not escape input by itself.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Returns character-to-HTML-entity mappings used by PHP encoding functions.
• The flags and encoding determine the mappings; this function does not escape input by itself.
• htmlspecialchars() applies a conversion; get_html_translation_table() only returns mappings.

Use get_html_translation_table() for the specific operation demonstrated above. Check its prerequisites and handle failure conditions before using it with production data.