How to Fix the Call to Undefined Function validation_errors() Error in CodeIgniter

Encountering the `Call to undefined function validation_errors()` error in CodeIgniter? Here's how to resolve it by loading the form validation library properly.
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How to Fix the Call to Undefined Function validation_errors() Error in CodeIgniter

If you're a developer working with CodeIgniter, you might have faced the frustrating error that says, “Call to undefined function validation_errors()”. This error typically arises when your application attempts to use the validation_errors() function, but CodeIgniter cannot find it. In this guide, we will explore what causes this error and how to fix it efficiently.

Understanding the Error Context

This error often appears in a scenario similar to this:

Type: Error

Message: Call to undefined function validation_errors()

Line Number: 43

When the application reaches this point, it is trying to call the function validation_errors(), which is part of CodeIgniter’s Form Validation library.

However, why does this happen?

The validation_errors() function is included in the Form Validation library. If the library is not loaded, the function won't be recognized, leading to an uncaught exception.

How to Resolve the Issue

To eliminate this error, you need to ensure that the Form Validation library is loaded correctly. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Load the Validation Library

You have two main options for loading the Form Validation library in CodeIgniter:

Autoloading:

This method is suitable if you consistently need the Form Validation library throughout your application.

Find the libraries array and add 'form_validation' as shown below:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Loading within a Specific Controller:

If you only need the Form Validation library for specific functionalities, load it in the constructor of your controller.

Here is an example of how to do this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Implementing Validation Logic

Once you’ve made sure that the Form Validation library is loaded correctly, you can now use the validation_errors() function without any issues. Here’s a simple example of how it fits into your controller method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Encountering the “Call to undefined function validation_errors()” error may initially seem daunting, but by ensuring that the Form Validation library is properly loaded, you can quickly address the issue and keep your CodeIgniter application running smoothly. Remember, always check for library dependencies to avoid similar errors moving forward.

By following the steps outlined in this post, you should be able to resolve the error efficiently. Happy coding!