Discover the PHP Error Messages That Web Designers Should Know About

When you quickly search the Internet, you will get the PHP definition as below:

Open source general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded in HTML

The acronym for “Hypertext Pre-processor” is PHP. Be aware that PHP scripts can only be read and interpreted by servers that have PHP installed. As an illustration of PHP’s widespread use, consider the fact that most web hosting packages, including shared, dedicated, VPS, and cloud hosting, now require it. PHP is the most used script when it comes to WordPress, one of the most widely used open source content systems worldwide.

Any faults in the PHP script can be traced back to an internal system. Take note that the error display element may “switch off” on some PHP installations on the server. This contributes to maintaining the server’s integrity. However, using an error log file to track errors is an alternative. You can observe what kinds of mistakes are occurring and how frequently with this log.

You might find PHP scripts fairly technical but after you start breaking them down, you can easily read the database related errors and PHP warning vocabulary. Now, let’s take a look at some of the common PHP error messages that web designers should be aware of while creating dynamic tools for their websites.

How to Locate the Error Log?

PHP errors can be found via an error log that can be opened up simply from the web server. Here, you will get a detailed list of the error types that have occurred and it is the basic area for correcting the PHP code. You will find the file’s wording fairly straightforward and easily accessible, often in a stand-alone directory. It is good to password protect the error log/directory to avoid hackers from being able to download it directly from the website. In case they get a chance to enter and know the errors, they might also get a way for backdoor entry.

In case, there are any issues to find the PHP error log, it is recommended to contact your hosting provider for more information.

Blank Screen

Occasionally, you might come across the blank screen while running the PHP code along with HTML. You will find that you won’t easily succeed in the attempt to view the source code as the error would result in the markup being cut off. The blank screen is an indication that there is an error after some HTML code relating to the format of PHP code. It might be similar to missing a symbol from the PHP script but when you check the error log, you will learn where the error has occurred and would be able to find the solution for it.

The Most Important Is The First Error

Once you know about a PHP script error, you might get introduced to several errors on the PHP error log. This will increase your concern but you will many times find that the first error only leads to other hundreds of errors.

Fortunately, in several cases, while rectifying the first error the rest will disappear automatically. Checking the time when the errors were logged is the best way to find the specific errors that have a knock-on effect. You will find the groups of errors with the same time stamp due to the speed of your server operation. So, pick the first error in this batch, repair it and if you are lucky the rest will disappear too.

Database Related Errors

Majority of PHP errors involve database connection issues that might include the database password username, server address and the database name. If there is any issue with any of these four elements then there won’t be any connection and you will get an error displayed. Below are some of the most common errors that you will see:

• The user has entered localhost rather than an IP address or URL for the database server
• An incorrect user name has been entered
• An incorrect database name has been entered

Database Permission Problems

You might face a situation where the server address, username, password and database name are correct but still you get the connection issues. There are some PHP scripts that need permission to create additional tables depending upon the information from the database. If the user isn’t setup with the needed permission, it will lead to an error and the PHP script won’t work correctly. One of the easiest ways to solve these types of database related errors is to trick the relevant box and add the privileges to the user.

PHP Error Messages

You will find database issues relatively easy to resolve as compared to PHP errors that look a bit trickier. But after understanding what the errors actually mean, the game becomes very easy.

1. Fatal Error: Call to Undefined Function

Shortly speaking, the cause of this error is the PHP function detailed in the PHP script can’t be found. It commonly occurs while installing a third-party script if. Below are some of the reasons for this error to occur:

• All the files related to a new script aren’t been uploaded.
• While upgrading a PHP script, one of the files isn’t been replaced.
• There is a missing PHP include or incorrect path in a configuration file.
• You have attempted to use a PHP function not available on your server.

This type of error occurs due to a missing file, or missing upgraded file, which is easy to resolve. You will face several situations where commands are missing from your PHP installation. The reason might be that you are still using an older version and you will need the assistance of your hosting provider to resolve.

2. Fatal Error: Cannot Redeclare

You will get this type of error when you have included a file twice within your script text. To resolve this error you will need to go back over the code to check included files and ensure there is no duplication.

3. Fatal Error: Allowed Memory Size Exhausted

This is a fairly common error that occurs while trying to upload/process an image which may require high memory capacity to run. Your host provider allocate limited amount of script memory capacity and if additional capacity is required, they will need to make the adjustments.

4. Permission Errors

You will come across various permissions relating to individual directory permissions. You can adjust the configuration easily. But make sure you are aware of the power of allowing write-to file options.

5. PHP Warning: Include

You will find this error message interesting because it is not an error as such, it is a warning. The script will accurately keep on moving on to the next command and will continue trying to load the page though it can’t find the include file. At this point you are likely to get formatting errors and non-fully functioning pages.

How to Resolve PHP Error Step-By-Step?

In this article it is impossible to cover all of the potential errors you may encounter with PHP script. But let’s take a look at PHP warnings or database related errors that are easy to fix. The process is fairly simple:-

• Check the PHP error log.
• Identify the first error (using the time log).
• Correct first error.
• Recheck the PHP error log.
• Rectify the next error.
• Repeat.

Numerous PHP scripts are associated with WordPress and the tens of thousands of plug-ins for the platform. When you update the PHP version on your server, it’s conceivable that you’ll also see a variety of PHP problems. It’s possible that some of the more outdated plug-ins won’t work with PHP versions that are more recent. This may raise the question of whether you would rather continue using the older PHP version and your preferred plug-ins or give up the extra capability of the new PHP version and delete any incompatible plug-ins.

In general, PHP is a significant language in the field of programming. This is due to the fact that it enables web designers to produce dynamic websites with astounding degrees of user engagement. PHP is straightforward to use and has a relatively easy error-resolution process when compared to the other top programming languages.