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PHP 7.4 Warnings to PHP8.2 Errors

PHP Warnings to Runtime Errors

In the transition from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.2, notable changes have occurred with certain runtime errors that were previously treated as warnings by PHP. As of PHP 8.x, these errors have been elevated to runtime errors.

Automated tools like Rector can do a lot when it comes to lexical scanning but runtime (non-lexical and more closely tied to the logic and data aspects of code execution) its help is limited.

Defensive coding techniques serve as a robust shield against runtime errors, empowering you to anticipate and prevent such issues.

In our research, we've identified several of these techniques designed to assist you in addressing and rectifying potential errors.

Enable PHP logs

The starting point to identify such errors is to enable PHP logs. This foundational step will provide the necessary data (warnings/errors) so you can implement effective defensive coding to prevent them to happen.

Enable E_WARNING and E_DEPRECATION Log in to the PHP error log and test your code.

  1. Locate your php.ini file. The location can vary based on your operating system and PHP installation. Common paths include:

    • Windows: C:\Program Files\PHP\php.ini
    • Linux: /etc/php/{version}/apache2/php.ini

  2. Open the php.ini file in a text editor with administrative privileges.

  3. Search for the error_reporting directive.

  4. Update the directive to include E_WARNING and E_DEPRECATED:

error_reporting = E_ALL & ~E_NOTICE | E_WARNING | E_DEPRECATED

PHP Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in *

  • safeCount will take care of it

PHP Warning: A non-numeric value encountered*

  • Cast the values to int or float before the arithmetic operation.
  • Check the values for is_numeric($value) and skip the calculation if the values are not numeric.

PHP Warning: sizeof(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in*

  • if you have code like $a = sizeof($b) + 1;
  • replace sizeof with safeCount

PHP Warning: strlen() expects parameter 1 to be string, array given in*

Add defensive for example:

if (is_string($some_value)) {
  $len = strlen($some_value);
} else { 
  // throw error or deal with your data
}


PHP Warning: array_key_exists(): The first argument should be either a string or an integer in*

  • Add defensive for example:

if ((is_string($haystack) || is_numeric($haystack)) && array_key_exists($haystack, $myArray)) {
    // continue with your logic  
} else { 
    // throw error or deal with your data;
}

PHP Warning: strpos(): Empty needle in*

  • Add defensive code, for example:

if (isset($haystack) && !empty($haystack) && isset($needle) && !empty($needle) && strpos($haystack, $needle, $offset)) {
   // continue with your logic
} else { 
   // throw error or deal with your data;
}

PHP Warning: array_intersect(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, null given in*

  • Add defensive for example:

if (is_array($array) && is_array($arrays)) {
   $intersect = array_intersect($array, $arrays);
} else { 
   // throw error or deal with your data;
}