When it comes to developing a website or application, error handling is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. As developers, we must ensure that our code is free from any errors and bugs, and that any errors that do occur are promptly identified and fixed. One tool that can greatly aid in this process is the error_reporting() function in PHP. In this article, we will discuss the recommended error_reporting() settings for development and the importance of enabling E_STRICT.
First and foremost, let's understand what the error_reporting() function does. It is a built-in PHP function that enables or disables error reporting for different types of errors. By default, error_reporting() is set to report all errors except for notices and strict errors. However, for development purposes, it is recommended to enable all error reporting, including E_STRICT.
E_STRICT is a level of error reporting that helps identify potential errors in our code. It enforces stricter standards and guidelines for coding, ensuring that our code is written in a consistent and error-free manner. Enabling E_STRICT can help catch potential problems in our code that may not be apparent otherwise. It also helps in writing more efficient and optimized code.
Now, let's discuss the recommended error_reporting() settings for development. As mentioned earlier, it is best to enable all error reporting, including E_STRICT. This can be achieved by setting the value of error_reporting() to E_ALL | E_STRICT. This setting will report all errors, warnings, notices, and strict errors. It is also recommended to display errors on the screen instead of logging them to a file for easier debugging. This can be done by setting the value of display_errors to On.
Another important setting to consider is the error_log setting. It specifies the file where errors should be logged. It is recommended to set this to a specific file instead of the default php_errors.log file. This allows for better organization and tracking of errors.
In addition to the above settings, it is also crucial to regularly check the error logs and fix any reported errors. This will help in identifying and resolving any potential issues in our code before deploying it to a live environment.
It is worth mentioning that these recommended error_reporting() settings are specifically for development purposes. Once our website or application is ready to be deployed to a live environment, it is recommended to disable display_errors and set the error_reporting() value to a lower level, such as E_ALL & ~E_NOTICE. This will ensure that only critical errors are reported to avoid exposing sensitive information to users.
In conclusion, error handling is an essential aspect of development, and the error_reporting() function in PHP can greatly aid in this process. By enabling all error reporting, including E_STRICT, and regularly checking and fixing reported errors, we can ensure that our code is of the highest quality and free from any potential bugs. So, make sure to follow these recommended error_reporting() settings for development to write better and more efficient code.
