Why error log in PHP is disabled as default?

[UmairHussain]

Hello everyone,

I was not much of a PHP fan, because I've been using and creating websites on WordPress (the beloved drag and drop drama). When practicing on PHP, I learned about the php error logging and noticed that by default, the error log in PHP is disabled and you can enable the error log in one of two ways: by editing php. ini or by using ini_set. Fortunately, I found an article that helps me in enabling PHP error logging. I'm just curious to know that why on the initial stage they haven't build-up the criteria to be enabled before, I mean it will be good if the default function is enabled during the PHP error logging stuff.

 

[sunilkhorwal]

if someone deploying project on production then this default setting won’t shows the important details to the other user. These details could be your env details

 

[carnageX]

Because it may give implementation details about the system and environment that is running, and unless it's logged to a secure location, it could potentially be accessible to outside people. This shows security flaws in the application, system, etc. and makes it a target for attacks.

 

[MaxineGardner]

The decision to have PHP error logging disabled as the default setting is often related to security and privacy considerations.

When error logging is enabled by default, it could potentially expose sensitive information or vulnerabilities in a production environment if not configured properly. By defaulting to a disabled state, PHP prioritizes security and privacy. Developers can then consciously enable error logging when needed and configure it according to their specific requirements, striking a balance between convenience and security.

It's a design choice made to ensure a safer default setup while offering the flexibility for developers to enable logging when appropriate.