PHP Collator::getErrorCode() Method: Usage and Examples

When you need to inspect the last ICU error code, it helps to understand both the normal result and what changes with different inputs. This guide focuses on practical examples rather than repeating PHP background material.

Collator::getErrorCode provides the behavior described below. A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.

What Is Collator::getErrorCode in PHP?

Inspect the last icu error code. A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.

Its syntax is:

$collator->getErrorCode(...)

Parameters and return value: Read the argument names and optional values in the signature above. Methods use an existing object, while stand-alone functions take direct arguments. The examples demonstrate the relevant arguments and the value returned or the object modified.

Important: The code describes the last ICU operation; check it close to the operation that might fail.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example demonstrates how to inspect the last ICU error code with a small input.

<?php

$collator = new Collator("de_DE");
$words = ["zebra", "äpfel", "apfel"];
echo $collator->getErrorCode();

The example uses the simplest useful form. A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering. The output may depend on the active ICU locale, PHP configuration, or input supplied to the function.

Example 2: Another Case

Here the input or option changes, making it easier to see where the behavior differs. The code describes the last ICU operation; check it close to the operation that might fail.

<?php

$collator = new Collator("de_DE");
$words = ["zebra", "äpfel", "apfel"];
var_dump($collator->compare("a", "b"));
echo $collator->getErrorCode();

Compare the result to the first example. strcmp() compares bytes; Collator::compare() and Collator sorting methods use locale collation.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

This standalone example shows how the same operation fits into a small application task. The intl extension is required for this example.

<?php

$collator = new Collator("de_DE");
$words = ["zebra", "äpfel", "apfel"];
$collator->sort($words);
if ($collator->getErrorCode() !== U_ZERO_ERROR) { echo $collator->getErrorCode(); }

The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. The code describes the last ICU operation; check it close to the operation that might fail.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Core behavior: A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.
• Return value: Check the result separately from changes to passed-in arrays, iterators, or object state.
• Data constraints: The code describes the last ICU operation; check it close to the operation that might fail.
• Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Collator::getErrorCode helps you inspect the last ICU error code.
• A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.
• The code describes the last ICU operation; check it close to the operation that might fail.
• strcmp() compares bytes; Collator::compare() and Collator sorting methods use locale collation.

Collator::getErrorCode is useful when you need to inspect the last ICU error code. Start with the small examples, then adapt the practical example while respecting its input and environment requirements.