diff --git a/lib/moodlelib.php b/lib/moodlelib.php
index 61934fb4c5840..527b3d666326d 100644
--- a/lib/moodlelib.php
+++ b/lib/moodlelib.php
@@ -546,18 +546,6 @@ function optional_variable(&$var, $default=0) {
 }
 
 
-/**
- * HACK ALERT! Do not use this function, it will be removed soon!!
- * @todo Remove this function soon!
- */
-function set_default( &$var, $default ) {
-  if (empty($var)) {
-    $var = $default;
-    return true;
-  }
-  return false;
-}
-
 /**
  * Set a key in global configuration
  *