“Call to Undefined Function drupal_get_path()” Error in Drupal

Learn how to fix the “Call to Undefined Function drupal_get_path()” error in Drupal. Our Drupal Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

“Call to Undefined Function drupal_get_path()” Error in Drupal

If you are a Drupal developer, you may have come across the following error message:

Call to undefined function drupal_get_path()

According to our experts, this error occurs when the `drupal_get_path()` function is called in an environment where Drupal is not properly set up or when the function is being used in an incompatible version of Drupal.

Today, we will look at `drupal_get_path()` does, the reasons behind this error, and how to fix it.

What is `drupal_get_path()`?

The `drupal_get_path()` function is a core utility function in Drupal that retrieves the relative path to a module or theme directory. This is particularly useful when referencing assets like CSS files, JavaScript files, or images.

The function parameters are:

• $type: Specifies whether the path is for a ‘module’ or a ‘theme’.
• $name: The name of the module or theme.

For example, calling:

$theme_path = drupal_get_path('theme', 'mytheme');

Would return:

sites/all/themes/mytheme

Common Causes of the Error

1. The `drupal_get_path()` function is available in Drupal 7 and 8 but has been removed in Drupal 9. Trying to use it in Drupal 9 or later results in the “undefined function” error.
2. If the function is invoked outside a properly bootstrapped Drupal environment, PHP cannot locate it. This usually happens when running standalone PHP scripts or custom integrations that don’t load Drupal’s core files.
3. If Drupal’s bootstrap process hasn’t been completed fully, or certain core files are missing, functions like `drupal_get_path()` may be unavailable.
4. Drupal 8 introduced an object-oriented architecture, replacing many core functions with services. While `drupal_get_path()` still exists in Drupal 8, incorrect usage in namespaced classes or improper bootstrap configurations can trigger errors.

How to Fix “Call to Undefined Function drupal_get_path()”

1. Since `drupal_get_path()` is removed in Drupal 9, replace it with the Extension Path Resolver service:

   $path = \Drupal::service('extension.path.resolver')->getPath('theme', 'mytheme');

   This is the recommended method for retrieving paths in Drupal 9 and later.
2. If using `drupal_get_path()` in an external PHP script, ensure Drupal is bootstrapped correctly.

   Bootstrapping in Drupal 8 & 9:

   
   
   // Load Drupal's autoloader.
   
   require_once '/path/to/drupal/autoload.php';
   
   // Bootstrap Drupal.
   
   \Drupal::bootEnvironment();
   
   

   Bootstrapping in Drupal 7:

   
   
   define('DRUPAL_ROOT', getcwd());
   
   require_once DRUPAL_ROOT . '/includes/bootstrap.inc';
   
   drupal_bootstrap(DRUPAL_BOOTSTRAP_FULL);
   
   

   This ensures that all core functions, including `drupal_get_path()`, are available.
3. Check where `drupal_get_path()` is being called. The function may not be available if it is executed too early in the Drupal lifecycle (e.g., in settings files or early hooks). Ensure it is used after Drupal is fully initialized.

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Conclusion

The “Call to undefined function drupal_get_path()” error in Drupal is usually due to version incompatibilities, missing bootstrap configurations, or using the function outside Drupal’s proper environment.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix the “Call to Undefined Function drupal_get_path()” error by updating our code for Drupal 9, properly bootstrapping external scripts, and ensuring correct function usage.