[RFC] Optional Catch Block Body

From: Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:53:25 +0000
Subject: [RFC] Optional Catch Block Body
Groups: php.internals 
Request: Send a blank email to internals+get-128320@lists.php.net to get a copy of this message
Introduction Currently, PHP requires a block body for catch clauses even when the caught exception is not used. This results in unnecessary boilerplate code. This RFC proposes allowing catch clauses without a body when the exception variable is omitted. Proposal Allow the following syntax where the curly braces can be omitted when no exception variable is specified and no handling is needed: try { // code that may throw } catch (SomeError); This would be equivalent to: try { // code that may throw } catch (SomeError) {} Motivation Reduced Boilerplate: Eliminates unnecessary empty blocks when exceptions only need to be caught and ignored. Improved Readability: Makes the code more concise and focuses on the important parts. Backward Incompatible Changes None. This is purely an additive change to the syntax.

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