Eval Function Debate

Discussions revolve around the use, risks, security issues, performance, and alternatives to the eval() function in dynamic programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and PHP.

➡️ Stable 0.7x Programming Languages
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#6500
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Keywords

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Sample Comments

waffletower Jun 29, 2023 View on HN

No, 'eval' is available in many dynamic languages and needs to be utilized with care

orf May 6, 2017 View on HN

Because it's not about eval(), as the link you're commenting on explains in detail?

mck- Oct 19, 2012 View on HN

Makes me wonder if 'eval' still serves a legit purpose

eimrine Oct 21, 2023 View on HN

Want to have eval? Stop everything.

asdev Mar 12, 2025 View on HN

do you have an eval? how did this actually help?

AshleysBrain Jan 3, 2012 View on HN

Page seems to be missing a "why?" section. Seriously, why? What does it do that eval() doesn't?

edw519 Nov 27, 2007 View on HN

Interesting he never mentions "eval()". Anyone notice any performance issues here?

chii May 13, 2019 View on HN

ahh, so this only applies to the 'eval' function, and not just any functions it seems.

adambyrtek Aug 30, 2017 View on HN

Not in a general case, because eval/exec accepts an arbitrary string which could change at runtime.

blasdel Sep 12, 2009 View on HN

If you're prepending code to user-input strings and later popping+parsing it to cause side effects, that's eval.