MySQL String Escaping without Database Connectivity

Question:

How can one emulate the functionality of mysql_real_escape_string without establishing a database connection, particularly for dry testing purposes?

Answer:

Unfortunately, it is not possible to securely escape a string without a database connection. Both mysql_real_escape_string() and prepared statements require a connection to determine the appropriate character set for escaping. Omitting this step opens the door to SQL injection attacks.

Implications for Testing:

For testing purposes only, it is acceptable to use mysql_escape_string(). This function, while deprecated, provides a moderate level of protection against SQL injection. However, it is important to understand that it is not foolproof, and a proper database connection is essential for secure string handling in production code.