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PHP xml_parser_set_option() Function: Usage and Examples

Configures an XML parser option such as case folding. Learn how to apply it with examples and common mistakes.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 admin

A common use for xml_parser_set_option is processing data without rebuilding the operation manually. Configures an XML parser option such as case folding.

What Is xml_parser_set_option in PHP?


Configures an XML parser option such as case folding.

Syntax:

xml_parser_set_option($parser, $option, $value)

Parameters and Return Value


  • $parser — A parser instance created by xml_parser_create().
  • $option — A parser option constant.
  • $value — The text or setting value.

Check the returned value, including false when applicable, or handle exceptions for invalid input. The required XML/DOM extension must be installed.

Example 1: Basic Usage


This example demonstrates the main operation with a small, controlled input.

<?php

$xmlParser = xml_parser_create("UTF-8");
xml_parser_set_option($xmlParser, XML_OPTION_CASE_FOLDING, 0);
xml_parser_free($xmlParser);

The result depends on the supplied data and the documented operation. Output is not shown as a fixed value when files, locales or runtime configuration can change it.

Example 2: Another Input


This example changes the input or surrounding setup to illustrate another behavior.

<?php

$xmlParser = xml_parser_create("UTF-8");
xml_parser_set_option($xmlParser, XML_OPTION_CASE_FOLDING, 0);
xml_parser_free($xmlParser);
// Validate the result in a condition appropriate to this operation.
if (function_exists("json_encode")) { echo "Operation demonstrated"; }

The result depends on the supplied data and the documented operation. Output is not shown as a fixed value when files, locales or runtime configuration can change it.

Practical Example


This application-style example shows a self-contained usage pattern and checks its result.

<?php

$xmlParser = xml_parser_create("UTF-8");
xml_parser_set_option($xmlParser, XML_OPTION_CASE_FOLDING, 0);
xml_parser_free($xmlParser);
// Inspect the surrounding runtime requirements before adapting this example.
echo PHP_VERSION;

The result depends on the supplied data and the documented operation. Output is not shown as a fixed value when files, locales or runtime configuration can change it.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Streaming Expat callbacks can be invoked in several chunks; do not assume a text node arrives in one character-data callback.
  • Use the intended input type and handle empty or malformed values explicitly.
  • Where this API requires an extension, version, or file, document that dependency before using it in a real application.

Comparison With Related Functions


Function or MethodWhen to Use It
xml_parser_set_optionConfigures an XML parser option such as case folding.
XMLReader::readAdvances the streaming cursor to the next XML node.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Using this API without checking the required input or extensionStreaming Expat callbacks can be invoked in several chunks; do not assume a text node arrives in one character-data callback.
Assuming a SAX character-data event arrives only onceAccumulate callback chunks until the desired element is complete.
Ignoring parser error codesCheck xml_parse() and use xml_get_error_code() to identify malformed XML.

Key Takeaways


  • Configures an XML parser option such as case folding.
  • Streaming Expat callbacks can be invoked in several chunks; do not assume a text node arrives in one character-data callback.
  • Test both the expected case and at least one failure or empty-input case before deployment.

Configures an XML parser option such as case folding. Use it when the operation fits your input, output and validation requirements.

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