Answer
json_decode() returns null on failure and json_last_error() provides the error code. Proper handling is required when interacting with APIs.
Quick Answer
json_decode() returns null on invalid JSON. Check json_last_error() to get the error code and json_last_error_msg() for a human-readable message. Common errors: syntax error (malformed JSON), unexpected control character, recursion depth exceeded. In PHP 7.3+ you can pass JSON_THROW_ON_ERROR flag to have it throw a JsonException instead of returning null silently.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ