How can one ensure compatibility and efficiency when using custom functions to mimic PHP 5 functionality in PHP 4.2?

To ensure compatibility and efficiency when using custom functions to mimic PHP 5 functionality in PHP 4.2, one should carefully test the custom functions on both PHP versions to ensure they work correctly. Additionally, optimizing the custom functions for PHP 4.2 by avoiding unnecessary features or functions that are not supported in that version can improve efficiency.

// Custom function to mimic PHP 5 functionality in PHP 4.2
function custom_function($arg1, $arg2) {
    // Code to mimic PHP 5 functionality
}

// Test the custom function on both PHP 4.2 and PHP 5
$result_php42 = custom_function($arg1, $arg2);
$result_php5 = custom_function($arg1, $arg2);

// Ensure compatibility and efficiency by testing and optimizing the custom function