Before We Begin
Being able to use string manipulation functions in your programs is similar to being able to make your program know how to read. For example, I already mentioned that by the end of this chapter you will be able to make your programs differentiate between valid and invalid e-mail addresses.
Although this chapter will cover some of the string manipulation functions, there are many more refined functions that are simply too numerous to cover for practical, day-to-day use.
However, some situations do lend themselves to these more refined functions. So, if you find yourself wishing PHP had a function to do something, take a look at the manual—there’s a function for just about anything you could need. And, as you might expect, the more you use PHP, the more of these functions will become familiar to you. For now, though, the functions this chapter teaches will give you a strong start.