Question

Let’s say I have a class loader I want to register.

$loader = new ClassLoader;

$loader->register();

When the method register() is called a second time, should I:

1. Throw an exception stating that the class loader has already been registered
2. Silently fail
3. Return a boolean status

If I were to go with option #1, I would also provide a isRegistered() method offer the opportunity for some checking before it is called a second time.

What is the best way of handling this scenario?

Are there any other, better options?

Answer 1

Have you considered something like triggering a warning or a notice?

trigger_error("ClassLoader already registered", E_USER_WARNING);

Unlike exceptions, triggering errors is a good way to find flaws/disruptions in code without halting the execution of the program. You keep the backtrace and a get an entry in the error log. If a mistake like this (registering a class loader twice) goes on production, you’d want it to be transparent for the user (it’s not critical), but with the programmer getting notified.