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3.5. CodeIgniter Helpers

Helpers, as their name implies, help you with specific tasks. Unlike libraries, helpers are not object-oriented but procedural in nature. Each helper contains one or more functions, each focusing on a specific task, with zero dependence on other functions.

Helpers can either be loaded locally or autoloaded in /system/application/config/autoload.php. CodeIgniter ships with the following built-in helpers:

• Array — The Array helper contains functions that help you work with arrays. For example, the random_element() function takes an array as input and returns a random element from it.

• Cookie — The Cookie helper contains functions that help you set, read, and delete cookie data.

• Date — The Date helper contains functions that help you work with dates. For example, the now() function returns the current time as a UNIX time stamp.

• Directory — The Directory helper contains a single function that helps you work with directories. For example, the directory_map function reads a specified directory path and builds an array of it that contains all of its files and subdirectories.

• Download — The Download helper contains a single function that helps you download data easily. The force_download() function generates server headers that force data to be downloaded instead of viewed in a browser.

• File — The File helper contains functions that help you read, write, and delete files.

• Form — The Form helper contains functions that help you build forms. It is probably one of the most ...