How do I get the function name inside a function in PHP?

251
votes

Is it possible?

function test()
{
  echo "function name is test";
}
4
phpfunction
Just out of curiosity, when is there a need for this? Is it possible to create functions that you don't know the name of? – DisgruntledGoat
One possible use would be logging your execution. If you're writing "I had an error in " . FUNCTION to a logfile or something. This way, if the function name is changed you don't have to worry about the person remembering to change the log message. – Brian Ramsay
Needed this for logging! thanks for asking :) – Rick Kukiela
Also useful if you want to use the function name inside the function (for another use). Like to construct links based on the function, etc. (eg: function name1() then use name1 again inside), would save lots of time if you have the same template for lots of functions. – Mafia
@DisgruntledGoat: it is useful if you create functions manually and do not want to edit error message for every function. Adding it into error message means you have less work. – John Boe

4 Answers

421
votes

The accurate way is to use the __FUNCTION__ predefined magic constant.

Example:

class Test {
    function MethodA(){
        echo __FUNCTION__;
    }
}

Result: MethodA.

104
votes

You can use the magic constants __METHOD__ (includes the class name) or __FUNCTION__ (just function name) depending on if it's a method or a function... =)

17
votes

If you are using PHP 5 you can try this:

function a() {
    $trace = debug_backtrace();
    echo $trace[0]["function"];
}
1
votes
<?php

  class Test {
     function MethodA(){
         echo __FUNCTION__ ;
     }
 }
 $test = new Test;
 echo $test->MethodA();
?>

Result: "MethodA";