Types of PHP Errors

Last updated on September 21, 2023

We make mistakes during software development by using different programming languages. An error is a type of mistake. PHP is a server-side scripting language, which is mostly used for web development. A PHP Error occurs when something is wrong in the PHP code. Understanding these errors is very important for PHP developers. An error is a type of mistake. There are several types of Errors in PHP. let’s try to understand in detail about errors in PHP.

Types of Errors in PHP:

In PHP, we experience four types of errors which are given below:

  1. Parse Error (Syntax Error)
  2. Fatal Error
  3. Warning Error
  4. Notice Error

01. Parse Error or Syntax Error:

Parse errors can occur due to issues such as unclosed quotes, missing or extra parentheses, unclosed braces, or missing semicolons, among others.

In the below example, we have a script that has a missing semicolon at the end of the Tokyo city string.

echo "New York City"; 
echo "Tokyo" 
echo "Paris"; 
// output : ERROR! Parse error: syntax error, unexpected token "echo", expecting "," or ";" in cities.php on line 4


We missed the semicolon in the second line after the string that contains “Tokyo” in the code. When these types of mistakes happen, there will be a parse or syntax error.

02. Fatal Errors:

It is the type of error where PHP understands the code but recognizes an undefined function. This error occurs when we try to call a function that has not been defined.

Fatal errors stop the execution of the script. If you are trying to access the undefined functions, then the output is a fatal error.

function studentName1()
{
return "John Smith";
}
studentName2();

// output : ERROR! Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function fun2() in animalName.php:6 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in animalName.php on line 6

In this example, we defined a function `studentName1()` that returns that student’s name. But we are calling it by the incorrect name `studentName2()`. Since studentName2() is not defined in the code that’s why PHP returns a fatal error.

03. Warning Errors:

Warning errors will not stop the script. The main reason for warning errors is to include a missing file or use the incorrect number of parameters in a function.

echo "Learn programming with CoderAdvise";
include ("product_listing.php");

// output : Warning Error!!Warning: include(product_listing.php): Failed to open stream: No such file or directory in xyz.php on line 3.

In the above example of code, we are trying to include a file whose name is product_listing into xyz.php. However, the product_listing.php file does not exist in the directory. That’s why PHP is returning a warning error.

04. Notice Errors:

The Notice Error is almost the same as a Warning Error. Notice error comes we called an undefined variable. When we call an undefined variable we will see a notice errors in PHP.

$a = "John Smith";
echo "Notice Error !!";
echo $b;

// output : Warning: Undefined variable $b in personName.php on line 4

In this example, we just defined $a, but we are calling $b, which is not defined. That’s why Notice Errors is produced.

PHP Notice Errors

Conclusion:

In this article, we define the PHP error types in detail along with examples. Also, this article explains when these errors come up in our web application.


Written by
I am a web developer with over 2 years of industry experience, specializing in PHP, JavaScript, MySQLi, and Laravel. I create dynamic and user-friendly web applications, committed to delivering high-quality digital solutions.

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Improved by: Ayaz Ali Shah

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