PHP ReflectionExtension::info() Method: Usage and Examples

When building tools that inspect PHP code, ReflectionExtension::info() helps answer a focused question: prints the extension's detailed configuration information.

Reflection is useful in framework tooling, dependency injection, testing, code inspection and debugging.

What Is ReflectionExtension::info()?

Prints the extension's detailed configuration information.

Its method signature is:

public function info(): void

This method has no required arguments.

Return value: void

Example 1: Inspect a loaded extension

Start with a self-contained PHP declaration and inspect the method result.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("json");

$result = $extensionReflection->info();
// info() prints its report directly.

Output:

json

json support => enabled

Explanation: Prints the extension's detailed configuration information.

Example 2: Compare extension metadata

Next, change the reflected declaration or parameter to observe a related situation.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("date");

$result = $extensionReflection->info();
// info() prints its report directly.

// Check the returned value type before using the result.
echo "\nResult type: " . get_debug_type($result);

Output:

date

date/time support => enabled
timelib version => 2022.17
"Olson" Timezone Database Version => 0.system
Timezone Database => internal
Default timezone => UTC

Directive => Local Value => Master Value
date.timezone => UTC => UTC
date.default_latitude => 31.7667 => 31.7667
date.default_longitude => 35.2333 => 35.2333
date.sunset_zenith => 90.833333 => 90.833333
date.sunrise_zenith => 90.833333 => 90.833333

Result type: null

Explanation: It writes output directly and may disclose configuration; do not expose it on a public page.

Practical Example: Use extension information for diagnostics

This final case shows how the same API can be used when inspecting application definitions.

<?php

declare(strict_types=1);

$extensionReflection = new ReflectionExtension("standard");

$result = $extensionReflection->info();
// info() prints its report directly.

// Use the reflection result in a simple decision.
if (is_bool($result)) {
    echo "\nStatus: " . ($result ? "yes" : "no");
} elseif (is_array($result)) {
    echo "\nEntries: " . count($result);
} elseif ($result === null) {
    echo "\nNo value returned";
} else {
    echo "\nReflection result available";
}

The exact output or reflected object details depend on the declaration and PHP runtime. Inspect the returned value before using it in application logic.

Explanation: getINIEntries reads structured configuration without printing a report.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• It writes output directly and may disclose configuration; do not expose it on a public page.
• getINIEntries reads structured configuration without printing a report.
• Reflection describes declarations and runtime state; requesting metadata does not automatically validate or sanitize application input.

Comparison With Related Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Prints the extension's detailed configuration information.
• It writes output directly and may disclose configuration; do not expose it on a public page.
• getINIEntries reads structured configuration without printing a report.

Use ReflectionExtension::info() when you need the precise metadata or behavior demonstrated above. Keep the target declaration and relevant PHP version in mind when adapting the examples.