The `html_entity_decode()` function in PHP converts HTML entities to their corresponding characters. This is useful when you need to display encoded HTML as plain text or convert entities back to their original form.PHP 8.PHP 8.1,PHP 8.2,PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.4.
Basic Syntax<?phphtml_entity_decode(string $string,int $flags = ENT_QUOTES | ENT_SUBSTITUTE | ENT_HTML401,?string $encoding = null): string?>
Parameters1. `$string` - The input string containing HTML entities2. `$flags` (optional) - A bitmask of flags:- `ENT_COMPAT` - Convert double-quotes, leave single quotes- `ENT_QUOTES` - Convert both double and single quotes- `ENT_NOQUOTES` - Leave both double and single quotes unconverted- `ENT_SUBSTITUTE` - Replace invalid code unit sequences- `ENT_HTML401` - Handle code as HTML 4.013. `$encoding` (optional) - The character encoding (defaults to ini setting)
Example 1: Basic Usage<?php$encoded = "The <b>quick</b> brown & fox";$decoded = html_entity_decode($encoded);echo $decoded;// Output: The <b>quick</b> brown & fox?>
PHP 8.2 ConsiderationsIn PHP 8.2, `html_entity_decode()` continues to work as in previous versions, but you should be aware of:1. The default flags now include `ENT_SUBSTITUTE` for better handling of invalid sequences2. The `ENT_IGNORE` flag can be used to silently discard invalid code unit sequences3. Always specify the correct encoding to avoid unexpected resultsThis function remains a reliable way to decode HTML entities in PHP 8.2 applications.