What is an advantage of using mysqli in PHP programs rather than using PHP Data Objects (PDO)?

Question

Options

• Amysqli supports object oriented programming.
• Bmysqli can access databases from other vendors.
• Cmysqli supports non blocking, asynchronous queries.
• Dmysqli includes X DevAPI functions.

• A
  94% (16)
• C
  6% (1)

Explanation

Option A is marked correct in this exam, though it's worth noting a nuance: both mysqli and PDO support OOP. The exam's intent appears to reference that mysqli introduced object-oriented support as an upgrade from the old, deprecated mysql_* extension (which was procedural-only), making OOP a defining feature of the mysqli library.

Why the distractors are wrong (per the exam):

• B is wrong - accessing multiple database vendors (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.) is PDO's advantage, not mysqli's. mysqli is MySQL-specific.
• D is wrong - X DevAPI is associated with MySQL Shell and Connector drivers, not a standard mysqli advantage.

Important caveat: Option C is technically accurate - mysqli genuinely supports non-blocking asynchronous queries (via mysqli_poll()), which PDO does not. Many PHP developers cite this as a real advantage of mysqli over PDO. If you see this question and C is the marked answer on a different source, that's also defensible.

Memory tip: Think "PDO = Portable (multi-vendor), mysqli = MySQL-specific but async-capable." The exam wants you to associate mysqli with OOP as its headline feature distinguishing it from the old mysql_ extension - but flag Option C if you're given the chance to comment, as it's a genuine mysqli strength.

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