PHP Error Types

PHP Error Types – Notices, Warnings & Fatal Errors Explained 🚨

Ever seen a mysterious PHP error and thought, “What does this mean?” 🤔
Don’t worry! PHP errors are like clues in a detective story 🕵️‍♂️, helping you track down bugs.

Let’s break down the different types of PHP errors and how to handle them like a pro! 🚀

🔹 Notice Errors (Minor Mistakes)

Notice errors occur when PHP encounters a minor issue, but the script still runs.
Think of them as a polite warning from PHP ☺️.

📝 Example 1: Using an Undefined Variable

PHP will throw a notice if you use a variable that hasn’t been declared.

<?php
echo $name; // Undefined variable
?>

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Fix: Always define variables before using them.

🔹 Warning Errors (Something’s Wrong, But PHP Moves On)

Warning errors indicate something serious, but the script continues running.

📝 Example 2: Including a Missing File

Trying to include a file that doesn’t exist? PHP warns you! ⚠️

<?php
include("nonexistent_file.php"); // File not found
echo "This will still execute!";
?>

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Fix: Use file_exists() before including files.

🔹 Fatal Errors (Game Over!)

Fatal errors stop script execution completely. These occur when PHP can’t recover from an issue.

📝 Example 3: Calling a Non-Existent Function

Calling a function that doesn’t exist results in a fatal error. 🚨

<?php
undefinedFunction(); // Function does not exist
echo "This will NOT execute!";
?>

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Fix: Always define functions before calling them.

🔹 Parse Errors (Syntax Mistakes)

Parse errors occur when PHP encounters invalid syntax (e.g., missing semicolons).

📝 Example 4: Forgetting a Semicolon

<?php
echo "Hello, World!" // Missing semicolon
?>

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Fix: Always check for missing semicolons ;.

🎯 How to Display & Handle Errors

To enable error reporting, use:

<?php
error_reporting(E_ALL);
ini_set("display_errors", 1);
?>

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This ensures all errors are displayed, making debugging easier! 🛠️

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • Notice Errors: Minor mistakes, script keeps running.
  • Warning Errors: Serious issues, but script continues.
  • Fatal Errors: Critical problems, script stops.
  • Parse Errors: Syntax mistakes, script won’t run.

📝 Practice Time!

Try causing different errors and fixing them! Can you make PHP display all four error types in one script? 🤯