Error vs Exception in PHP - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an Error in PHP?

An Error in PHP is a serious problem that usually cannot be caught or handled by the program. It often stops the script from running, like a fatal mistake.

beginner

What is an Exception in PHP?

An Exception is a problem that can be caught and handled by the program using try-catch blocks. It allows the program to continue running or respond gracefully.

beginner

How do you handle Exceptions in PHP?

You handle Exceptions using try and catch blocks. Code that might cause an exception goes inside try, and the handling code goes inside catch.

intermediate

Can Errors be caught like Exceptions in PHP?

By default, Errors cannot be caught like Exceptions. However, since PHP 7, many Errors are throwable and can be caught using the Throwable interface.

beginner

Give an example of a common Error and a common Exception in PHP.

Common Error: ParseError (syntax mistakes).<br>Common Exception: Exception thrown when something unexpected happens, like trying to open a missing file.

Which PHP construct is used to handle Exceptions?

A for-loop

B if-else

C switch-case

D try-catch

Exceptions are handled using try-catch blocks in PHP.

What happens when a fatal Error occurs in PHP?

A Script stops running immediately

B Exception is thrown and caught automatically

C Script continues without interruption

D Error is ignored

Fatal Errors stop the script immediately and usually cannot be caught.

Since PHP 7, Errors can be caught if they implement which interface?

A Catchable

B Exception

C Throwable

D ErrorHandler

PHP 7 introduced the Throwable interface which both Errors and Exceptions implement.

Which of the following is NOT true about Exceptions in PHP?

A They always stop the script immediately

B They can be caught and handled

C They use try-catch blocks

D They allow graceful error handling

Exceptions do not always stop the script immediately if caught properly.

What kind of problem is a ParseError in PHP?

A Exception

B Error

C Warning

D Notice

ParseError is a type of Error caused by syntax mistakes.

Explain the difference between an Error and an Exception in PHP.

Think about how the program reacts to each.

Describe how PHP 7 changed the way Errors can be handled.

Focus on the Throwable interface and catching Errors.