How important is it to validate input values when implementing a counting function in PHP?

It is crucial to validate input values when implementing a counting function in PHP to ensure that the function operates correctly and securely. Invalid input values can lead to unexpected behavior, errors, or security vulnerabilities in the code. By validating input values, you can ensure that the function receives the expected data types and formats, reducing the risk of issues. 

function countItems(array $items) {
    if (!is_array($items)) {
        throw new InvalidArgumentException('Input must be an array');
    }

    return count($items);
}

// Example usage
$items = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
echo countItems($items);

Keywords

input validation counting function PHP security data validation

Related Questions