I think some people are trying to show off(some how).
$_GET['id'] = (abs((int)$_GET['id'])); (for user table)
It's quite annoying. :/ Anyone Agree?
Well, isset() checks if the $_GET[var] is set, but thats self explanatory. ctype_digit() checks if the value is numerical. ABS is short for Absolute, and checks if the number is a (+ or Positive) number, and (int) means intenger. As far as annoying goes, whether it be annoying or not, it is an effective method.