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PHP ErrorException::getSeverity() Method: Usage and Examples

PHP ErrorException::getSeverity() Method: Usage and Examples: Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException. See three examples and important limitations.

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

The PHP ErrorException::getSeverity API performs a focused operation on an object or value. The examples below show its effect on actual data.

Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.

What Is ErrorException::getSeverity in PHP?


Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.

Syntax:

ErrorException::getSeverity(): int

This operation has no parameters.

Return type declared by PHP: int. The value or side effect is demonstrated in the examples below.

Example 1: Basic Usage


This example uses a small input to make the main behavior visible.

<?php

$issue = new ErrorException("Invalid configuration", 0, E_USER_WARNING);
echo $issue->getSeverity();

Output:

512

Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.

Example 2: A Different Input


A different set of values shows the same operation in another situation.

<?php

$issue = new ErrorException("Missing record", 0, E_USER_NOTICE);
echo $issue->getSeverity();

Output:

1024

The severity is an integer bitmask constant, not an HTTP status code.

Practical Example: Applying the Feature


This example shows an application-style use of the feature, with its surrounding setup visible.

<?php

$issue = new ErrorException("Validation failed", 0, E_USER_ERROR);
echo $issue->getSeverity();

Output:

256

The code is shown for learning. Adjust the class names, inputs and error handling to suit your application.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • The severity is an integer bitmask constant, not an HTTP status code.
  • Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.
  • Observe differences in empty inputs, invalid states and optional extension availability where relevant.

Comparison With Related Approaches


ApproachImportant Difference
ErrorException::getSeverityReturns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.
ExceptionErrorException additionally records an error-severity level, which a plain Exception does not provide.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Ignoring the documented state or precondition of ErrorException::getSeverityThe severity is an integer bitmask constant, not an HTTP status code.
Expecting a different type of resultRead the declared return type and distinguish returned values from changes to the source object.
Assuming a related API works identicallyErrorException additionally records an error-severity level, which a plain Exception does not provide.

Key Takeaways


  • Returns the PHP error severity constant recorded in an ErrorException.
  • The severity is an integer bitmask constant, not an HTTP status code.
  • Use the example that matches the values, runtime version and dependencies in your application.

ErrorException::getSeverity is useful when its behavior matches the data structure and lifecycle of your PHP application. Choose it with a clear understanding of its preconditions and returned values.

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