What is a fatal error in PHP?

Fatal errors crash the program. There are three types of fatal errors in PHP:

1. Startup fatal error: This error occurs when a system can’t run the code during installation.

2. Compile time fatal error: This error occurs if a call is made to a non-existent code or variable.

3. Runtime fatal error: This error occurs while the program is running, and will cause the program to quit.

The following code tried to call a function name without declaring the function. This gives a fatal error:

Notice how the print statement is not executed. This is because, as soon as a fatal error is thrown, the code stops compiling.

Solution

• Look for the undeclared variables as given in the error.
• If you are using inbuilt functions, ensure that there is no typo and the correct function is called.
• Check if the spellings are correct.