PHP Error Handling

Name: PHP Error Handling
Author: AI

Error handling is an essential aspect of programming, and PHP provides several ways to handle errors effectively. Proper error handling ensures your code is robust, secure, and user-friendly.

Types of Errors in PHP

Notice: Minor issues that don't stop the script execution (e.g., using an undefined variable)
Warning: Non-fatal errors that allow the script to continue but may cause unexpected behaviour
Fatal Error: Critical errors that stop the script execution (e.g., calling a non-existent function)
Parse Error: Errors caused by syntax mistakes

Basic Error Handling with error_reporting

You can control which errors PHP reports using the error_reporting function.

error_reporting.php

<?php
// Report all PHP errors
error_reporting(E_ALL);
 
// Report all errors except E_NOTICE
error_reporting(E_ALL & ~E_NOTICE);
 
// Turn off error reporting
error_reporting(0);
?>

Custom Error Handling with set_error_handler

You can define a custom function to handle errors using set_error_handler.

custom_error_handler.php

<?php
function customErrorHandler($errno, $errstr, $errfile, $errline) {
    echo "Error [$errno]: $errstr in $errfile on line $errline";
}
 
// Set custom error handler
set_error_handler("customErrorHandler");
 
// Trigger an error
echo $undefined_variable;
?>

Using try-catch for Exception Handling

Exceptions provide a structured way to handle errors in PHP. Use try and catch blocks to catch exceptions.

exception_handling.php

<?php
try {
    if (!file_exists("file.txt")) {
        throw new Exception("File not found");
    }
    $file = fopen("file.txt", "r");
} catch (Exception $e) {
    echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
}
?>

Error Logging

Instead of displaying errors, you can log them for later review.

error_logging.php

<?php
// Log errors to a file
ini_set("log_errors", 1);
ini_set("error_log", "errors.log");
 
// Trigger an error
echo $undefined_variable;
?>

Best Practices for Error Handling

Always log errors instead of displaying them on production websites.
Use custom error handlers for more control over error management.
Use try-catch blocks for critical operations, such as file handling or database queries.
Turn off error reporting on production to prevent exposing sensitive information.

Proper error handling improves your application's reliability and enhances user experience. By following these practices, you can manage errors effectively in your PHP projects.

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