Returns a structure describing the installed libcurl build and features. This guide demonstrates its use in PHP code and explains when the result or side effect needs extra checks.
What It Does
Returns a structure describing the installed libcurl build and features.
Syntax and Parameters
The examples below show a real call to curl_version with suitable arguments. Read the function call in context: its connection, handle, input data or other prerequisites are created before use.
Requirements: cURL extension; HTTP client and transfer-handling tools.
Example 1: Core Behavior
No connection is needed; inspect runtime features before enabling optional integrations.
<?php
$data = curl_version();
echo 'libcurl ' . $data['version'] . ' SSL: ' . ($data['ssl_version'] ?? 'unknown');Observe the returned value or changed resource state. A successful function call can still require additional checks before a higher-level operation is considered successful.
Example 2: Alternative or Failure Case
No connection is needed; inspect runtime features before enabling optional integrations.
<?php
$data = curl_version();
echo 'libcurl ' . $data['version'] . ' SSL: ' . ($data['ssl_version'] ?? 'unknown');
echo (int) extension_loaded("curl");Compare the different inputs, environment assumptions or result checks. Do not use a transport-level success value as proof that all business-level requirements were met.
Practical Example: Applying the Rule
No connection is needed; inspect runtime features before enabling optional integrations.
<?php
$data = curl_version();
echo 'libcurl ' . $data['version'] . ' SSL: ' . ($data['ssl_version'] ?? 'unknown');
echo JSON_UNESCAPED_SLASHES;In an application, convert low-level failures into controlled responses and log only non-sensitive diagnostic context.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
Capabilities depend on the linked libcurl library, not merely the PHP version.
TLS validation, bounded timeouts and a destination allowlist are essential for network requests involving potentially untrusted targets.
Comparison with Related Functions or Patterns
| Approach | When it differs |
|---|---|
| curl_version | Returns a structure describing the installed libcurl build and features. |
| Related API or pattern | curl_getinfo reports information about an individual transfer. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct approach |
|---|---|
| Forgetting destination validation, timeouts or TLS verification during a transfer | Capabilities depend on the linked libcurl library, not merely the PHP version. |
| Substituting a related API without checking its semantics | curl_getinfo reports information about an individual transfer. |
Key Takeaways
- Returns a structure describing the installed libcurl build and features.
- Capabilities depend on the linked libcurl library, not merely the PHP version.
- curl_getinfo reports information about an individual transfer.
Select this API or pattern based on its documented behavior and the trust boundaries in your own application, and test all external integrations against their actual deployments.