Error Logging, Done Smoothly

Error logging plays a crucial role in software development, allowing you to capture, report, and troubleshoot errors efficiently. Let's dive into the best practices for error logging in PHP and how to effectively handle exceptions.

Errors: Logging with Precision

Traditional methods for logging errors, such as using the error_log function, impose certain limitations. To address these, consider using trigger_error to raise errors and set_error_handler to define a custom error handler.

function errorHandler($errno, $errstr, $errfile, $errline, $errcontext) {
    // Custom error-handling logic here
}

$previousErrorHandler = set_error_handler('errorHandler');

This approach ensures that errors are handled centrally, simplifying error handling across your application.

Exceptions: Throwing Gracefully

Exceptions extend beyond the scope of standard errors, offering a more structured mechanism to handle exceptional events. PHP's Standard PHP Library (SPL) provides a robust exception framework that you can leverage.

class MyException extends Exception {
    // Custom logic for handling the exception
}

throw new MyException('An error occurred');

Exceptions can be caught and handled at different levels of the application, providing flexibility and control over error management.

Critical Errors: Damage Control

Certain errors, like fatal errors, cannot be handled within a custom error handler. To mitigate their impact, implement a register_shutdown_function to handle these critical errors.

function shutdownFunction() {
    // Handle errors, log the final state, etc.
}

register_shutdown_function('shutdownFunction');

This ensures that even when faced with such errors, the application can gracefully shut down, providing valuable insights for debugging.

Code Examples

Error Handling:

trigger_error('Disk space low', E_USER_NOTICE); // Raise an error
set_error_handler(function($errno, $errstr) { $logger->log($errstr); }); // Log errors

Exception Handling:

try {
    // Risky operation
} catch (Exception $e) {
    $logger->log($e->getMessage()); // Log the exception
    throw new RuntimeException('Operation failed'); // Re-throw the exception
}

Best Practices

• Use trigger_error and set_error_handler for error handling.
• Employ SPL exceptions for structured error management.
• Handle fatal errors with a register_shutdown_function.
• Log errors centrally in a structured way.
• Keep error logging consistent throughout your application.
• Regularly review error logs and take appropriate corrective actions.