Public functions vs Functions in CodeIgniter

Question

In PHP, What is the difference between declaring methods inside class like

public function VS function

For example:

public function contact() {     $data['header'] = "Contact";     $this->load->view('admin/admin_contact', $data); } 

VS

function contact() {     $data['header'] = "Contact";     $this->load->view('admin/admin_contact', $data); } 

Is it better practice to use public function or function and why?

Answer 1

According to PHP.net

Class methods may be defined as public, private, or protected. Methods declared without any explicit visibility keyword are defined as public.

for best practice, i suggest using visibility keywords (esp when using higher versions of PHP). it prevents confusion (like the one you are in now) and promotes standard practice in coding.