PHP get_loaded_extensions() Function: Usage and Examples

Use get_loaded_extensions() when you need to lists extensions loaded into the current PHP runtime in a PHP application. The examples below show the actual operation and its limitations.

What Is get_loaded_extensions() in PHP?

Lists extensions loaded into the current PHP runtime. The exact signature supported by your installation depends on its PHP version and enabled extensions.

Its syntax is:

get_loaded_extensions(bool $zend_extensions = ...): array

Parameters and return value: The parameter types, optional arguments, references, and return type are shown in the signature above. Optional parameters are marked with an ellipsis in this reference signature.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

$extensions = get_loaded_extensions(); echo in_array("standard", $extensions, true) ? "Standard loaded" : "Missing";

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Example 2: Different Input or Behavior

<?php

echo count(get_loaded_extensions()) > 0 ? "Extensions available" : "None";

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

<?php

$requiredExtensions = ["json","openssl"]; $loaded = array_map("strtolower", get_loaded_extensions()); foreach ($requiredExtensions as $extension) echo $extension . ": " . (in_array($extension,$loaded,true) ? "yes" : "no") . PHP_EOL;

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Loaded modules differ between CLI and web SAPIs; check the environment used in production.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Lists extensions loaded into the current PHP runtime.
• Loaded modules differ between CLI and web SAPIs; check the environment used in production.
• extension_loaded() checks one extension; get_loaded_extensions() lists them all.

Use get_loaded_extensions() for the specific operation demonstrated above. Check its prerequisites and handle failure conditions before using it with production data.