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

When you need to read the last ICU error message, 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::getErrorMessage provides the behavior described below. A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.

What Is Collator::getErrorMessage in PHP?

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

Its syntax is:

$collator->getErrorMessage(...)

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: Success may still have a textual status such as U_ZERO_ERROR; do not parse the message instead of checking status.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example demonstrates how to read the last ICU error message with a small input.

<?php

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

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. Success may still have a textual status such as U_ZERO_ERROR; do not parse the message instead of checking status.

<?php

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

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 ($collator->getErrorCode() !== U_ZERO_ERROR) { error_log($collator->getErrorMessage()); }

The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. Success may still have a textual status such as U_ZERO_ERROR; do not parse the message instead of checking status.

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: Success may still have a textual status such as U_ZERO_ERROR; do not parse the message instead of checking status.
• Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Collator::getErrorMessage helps you read the last ICU error message.
• A Collator applies locale-dependent ICU collation rules rather than byte-by-byte ordering.
• Success may still have a textual status such as U_ZERO_ERROR; do not parse the message instead of checking status.
• strcmp() compares bytes; Collator::compare() and Collator sorting methods use locale collation.

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