Why do I need to check if wp_nonce_field() exists before using it

The answer is that you should not check if wp_nonce_field() exists before using it!

The recommendation to perform the check assumes that you want to be compatible with versions of WordPress from before the function existed. If Rarst is right that it was introduced in 2.0.4 then you should NOT be supporting earlier versions, as they are all absolutely insecure and anyone using them needs to upgrade RIGHT NOW.

Usually you should not have to check for existence of functions from inside WP, unlike functions from plugins that might not be activated.

Where did you see that comment you quoted? It should be removed.

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