PHP iconv() Function: Usage and Examples

Use iconv() when you need to converts text between named character encodings in a PHP application. The examples below show the actual operation and its limitations.

What Is iconv() in PHP?

Converts text between named character encodings. The exact signature supported by your installation depends on its PHP version and enabled extensions.

Its syntax is:

iconv(string $from_encoding, string $to_encoding, string $string): string|false

Parameters and return value: The parameter types, optional arguments, references, and return type are shown in the signature above. Optional parameters are marked with an ellipsis in this reference signature.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

echo iconv("UTF-8","ISO-8859-1","Cafe");

Output:

Cafe

Example 2: Different Input or Behavior

<?php

echo iconv("UTF-8","UTF-8","Sample");

Output:

Sample

Practical Example: Applying the Function

<?php

$source = "Résumé"; $converted = iconv("UTF-8","ISO-8859-1",$source); echo iconv("ISO-8859-1","UTF-8",$converted);

Output:

Résumé

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Characters not representable in the target encoding can trigger errors or data loss; do not silently discard them.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Converts text between named character encodings.
• Characters not representable in the target encoding can trigger errors or data loss; do not silently discard them.
• mb_convert_encoding() offers another encoding conversion interface when mbstring is installed.

Use iconv() for the specific operation demonstrated above. Check its prerequisites and handle failure conditions before using it with production data.