rfc:multiple-catch

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PHP RFC: Catching Multiple Exception Types

Introduction

When two different types of exceptions are handled the same way, it is sometimes required to duplicate the code of the catch statements.

For example :

<?php
 
try {
   // Some code...
} catch (ExceptionType1 $e) {
   // Code to handle the exception
} catch (ExceptionType2 $e) {
   // Same code to handle the exception
} catch (Exception $e) {
   // ...
}

A solution to fix this problem on the user level would be to implement a common interface for ExceptionType1 and ExceptionType2 and catch it. However, this is only possible when you control the exception hierarchy in your own code, but not possible when you don't control the code.

Proposal

This RFC introduces the possibility to catch multiple exception types in a single catch statement to avoid code duplication.

<?php
 
try {
   // Some code...
} catch (ExceptionType1 | ExceptionType2 $e) {
   // Code to handle the exception
} catch (\Exception $e) {
   // ...
}

This syntax and functionality is compatible with the Union types RFC proposed here : https://wiki.php.net/rfc/union_types

Backward Incompatible Changes

None.

Proposed PHP Version(s)

7.1

RFC Impact

To SAPIs

None

To Existing Extensions

None

To Opcache

None

Proposed Voting Choices

As this is a language change, a 2/3 majority is required. The vote is a straight Yes/No vote for accepting the RFC and merging the patch.

Patches and Tests

rfc/multiple-catch.1457462280.txt.gz · Last modified: 2017/09/22 13:28 (external edit)