[BB Code: extra characters]

[graphic]

So, instead of checking to make sure each post has a closed tag for every open tag before displaying it in the forum, they check this when it is entered into the database. Then when they pull it out of the database to display it, they only need to replace the tags because they no longer need to validate to make sure there is a closing tag for every open tag.

That makes since.

[cyberCrank]

Indeed -- a very sensible process and efficient as well, and not to mention saves space and the inverse BBcode operations are simple mappings and apply globally in case someone wants to change the behavior subsequently. These type things are what make phpBB stand out as exemplar coding and design, and serves as a good learning tool watching the developers via CVS, seeing the methods used, etc.

** hats off to the phpBB development team for many great ideas and features and for a watchful eye for not only nice features, but for efficiency, performance, and security mindfulness **