NumberFormatter::__construct limits usage by throwing an error

[Bgright]

Description

When constructing a NumberFormatter like so:

new NumberFormatter('@numbers=roman', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL);

or

new NumberFormatter('@numbers=jpan', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL);

Now an error is thrown which limits the class' functionality. Now you are required to enter a "valid" locale such as en_US etc.

On the PHP website it appears this was introduced in 8.4.0:

8.4.0 A ValueError is thrown if locale is invalid.

As a result I have to downgrade PHP or create my own number formatter class.

PHP Version

PHP 8.5.0

Operating System

Debian

[devnexen]

Hi and thanks for your report.

what happens if you add a language for the base locale ? e.g. en@numbers=roman.

[Bgright]

I haven’t tried that and already downgraded my PHP. I have a feeling it would still fail or the function I’m trying to trigger would fail. Since ICU is also strict with thier patterns.

I was actually going to write my own class prior to even coming across this bug but realized I would be getting in over my head with all the rules, patterns and markups cldr has in thier data.

But it now appears the hassle of studying thier code might save me some time later on. And also give me better control and understanding of all intl features.

[devnexen]

Note that you can try php code online like here, I just tried this (including with 8.4.5) :

$cls = new NumberFormatter('en@numbers=roman', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL);
var_dump($cls->format(42));

[Bgright]

Great. I just tried:

$cls = new NumberFormatter('en@numbers=roman', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

$cls = new NumberFormatter('en_US@numbers=roman', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

$cls = new NumberFormatter('en@numbers=jpan', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

$cls = new NumberFormatter('en_US@numbers=jpan', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

$cls = new NumberFormatter('fr@numbers=jpan', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

and all work and also now see and understand why these work.

$cls = new NumberFormatter('@numbers=roman', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

$cls = new NumberFormatter('@numbers=jpan', NumberFormatter::DECIMAL); var_dump($cls->format(42));

Fails on 8.4.0 and above.

Glad I am able to use this function by appending the locale.