When you need to check whether an ICU status code represents failure, 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.
intl_is_failure provides the behavior described below. ICU status constants distinguish failures from success and warnings.
What Is intl_is_failure in PHP?
Check whether an icu status code represents failure. ICU status constants distinguish failures from success and warnings.
Its syntax is:
intl_is_failure(int $errorCode): bool
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: Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This first example demonstrates how to check whether an ICU status code represents failure with a small input.
<?php
var_dump(intl_is_failure(U_ZERO_ERROR));
The example uses the simplest useful form. ICU status constants distinguish failures from success and warnings. 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. Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return.
<?php
var_dump(intl_is_failure(U_ILLEGAL_ARGUMENT_ERROR));
Compare the result to the first example. Compare against U_ZERO_ERROR when strict zero status matters; intl_is_failure() follows ICU failure semantics.
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
$errorCode = intl_get_error_code();
if (intl_is_failure($errorCode)) { echo intl_get_error_message(); }
The example keeps the operation visible and gives you a starting point for using it in an application. Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Core behavior: ICU status constants distinguish failures from success and warnings.
- Return value: Check the result separately from changes to passed-in arrays, iterators, or object state.
- Data constraints: Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return.
- Environment: The intl extension is required for this example.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
intl_is_failure | Check whether an icu status code represents failure. |
| Related PHP APIs | Compare against U_ZERO_ERROR when strict zero status matters; intl_is_failure() follows ICU failure semantics. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming the function works on every kind of input | Follow the declared argument types and check the input format before calling it. |
| Ignoring the behavior of the result | Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return. |
| Using the wrong related PHP API | Compare against U_ZERO_ERROR when strict zero status matters; intl_is_failure() follows ICU failure semantics. |
Key Takeaways
intl_is_failurehelps you check whether an ICU status code represents failure.- ICU status constants distinguish failures from success and warnings.
- Pass an ICU error code, not a PHP exception object or boolean return.
- Compare against U_ZERO_ERROR when strict zero status matters; intl_is_failure() follows ICU failure semantics.
intl_is_failure is useful when you need to check whether an ICU status code represents failure. Start with the small examples, then adapt the practical example while respecting its input and environment requirements.