PHP to find out if a PHP extension is enabled

PHP Extension Check

Code Solution

<?php
// Check if an extension is enabled
if (extension_loaded('extension_name')) {
    echo "Extension is enabled.";
} else {
    echo "Extension is not enabled.";
}

Explanation

• extension_loaded(): This function checks if a specific PHP extension is loaded and active. It takes the extension name as its argument.
• If the extension is loaded, the extension_loaded() function returns true. Otherwise, it returns false.
• The if statement checks the result of extension_loaded(). If it returns true, the extension is enabled.
• If it returns false, the extension is not enabled.

Effective Implementation

• Use the extension_loaded() function to check for specific extensions that are crucial to your script.
• For example, you can check for the mysqli extension before attempting to connect to a MySQL database.
• If the extension is not loaded, you can display an error message to the user or take appropriate action.

Example Usage

<?php
// Check for the GD extension
if (extension_loaded('gd')) {
    // Create and manipulate images using GD functions
} else {
    echo "GD extension is not enabled. Please install it.";
}