When working with PHP, you may need to list encodings supported by mbstring. This guide explains the operation, shows what its arguments mean, and uses three separate examples to make the result easier to understand.
mb_list_encodings: Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
What Is mb_list_encodings in PHP?
List encodings supported by mbstring. Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
Syntax:
mb_list_encodings(): array
Parameters and return value: The signature above identifies the arguments and return type where the API has a single call. For topic guides, follow the sequence of calls in the examples. Always distinguish a returned value from an object or variable modified by reference.
Important: Do not assume that an encoding name is available without checking supported aliases or canonical names.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This example introduces the operation with a short and predictable input.
<?php
print_r(array_slice(mb_list_encodings(), 0, 5));
The code focuses on the main operation. Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
Example 2: Another Case
Now compare a different input, locale, date, or option to see another part of the behavior.
<?php
var_dump(in_array("UTF-8", mb_list_encodings(), true));
What changes? Do not assume that an encoding name is available without checking supported aliases or canonical names.
Practical Example: Applying It in an Application
Use the following separate example as a starting point for a small application task. Check any extension or environment requirements below before running it.
<?php
$supportedEncodings = mb_list_encodings();
if (in_array("UTF-8", $supportedEncodings, true)) {
echo "UTF-8 conversion is available";
}
The practical example demonstrates how to apply this operation to multiple values, a reusable task, or a validated input. Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Core behavior: Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
- Inputs and results: Do not assume that an encoding name is available without checking supported aliases or canonical names.
- Alternatives: mb_list_encodings() lists encodings; mb_convert_encoding() uses them for conversion.
- Compatibility: mbstring is required for mb_* functions.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Approach | When to Use It |
|---|---|
mb_list_encodings | List encodings supported by mbstring. |
| Related PHP approach | mb_list_encodings() lists encodings; mb_convert_encoding() uses them for conversion. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Using an incorrect input or option | Do not assume that an encoding name is available without checking supported aliases or canonical names. |
| Confusing this API with a related operation | mb_list_encodings() lists encodings; mb_convert_encoding() uses them for conversion. |
| Assuming output is identical across environments | Check return values and required extensions or versions. mbstring is required for mb_* functions. |
Key Takeaways
- mb_list_encodings helps you list encodings supported by mbstring.
- Names returned by this function are encoding identifiers supported by the installed mbstring build.
- Do not assume that an encoding name is available without checking supported aliases or canonical names.
Use mb_list_encodings when you need to list encodings supported by mbstring. Start with the first example, compare the second, and adapt the practical example to your inputs. Confirm the return value and environment requirements before adding it to production code.