How can one avoid using utf8_decode() or utf8_encode() as crutches when working with fpdf in PHP for handling special characters?

When working with fpdf in PHP for handling special characters, it is best to use the correct encoding for your input data to avoid the need for utf8_decode() or utf8_encode() as crutches. Make sure your input data is properly encoded in UTF-8 before passing it to fpdf. You can use mb_convert_encoding() or iconv() functions to convert your input data to UTF-8.

// Example code snippet to handle special characters in fpdf without using utf8_decode() or utf8_encode()

// Ensure your input data is properly encoded in UTF-8
$inputData = "Special characters like é, ü, ñ";

// Convert input data to UTF-8 using mb_convert_encoding()
$utf8Data = mb_convert_encoding($inputData, 'UTF-8', 'auto');

// Pass the UTF-8 encoded data to fpdf for processing
$pdf->Cell(0, 10, $utf8Data);