[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #39766: Plugin does not gracefully fail when editing active plugin causes fatal error

[WordPress Trac]

#39766: Plugin does not gracefully fail when editing active plugin causes fatal
error
----------------------------+-----------------------------
 Reporter:  ovann86         |      Owner:
     Type:  defect (bug)    |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal          |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  Plugins         |    Version:  4.7.2
 Severity:  normal          |   Keywords:
  Focuses:  administration  |
----------------------------+-----------------------------
 When editing an active plugin in the wp-admin you see the following
 message above the 'Update file' button.

 {{{

 Warning: Making changes to active plugins is not recommended. If your
 changes cause a fatal error, the plugin will be automatically deactivated.
 }}}

 However, if an edit causes a fatal error the plugin is not automatically
 deactivated - resulting in the "white screen of death".

 Similarly, attempting to activate a plugin that contains a fatal error
 will automatically deactivate the plugin.

 '''Steps to reproduce'''

 1. In the WordPress Administration, go to Plugins-> Installed Plugins
 2. For an active plugin, click on the 'Edit' link
 3. Add erroneous code to plugin, for example

 {{{

 // DO NOT ADD THIS TO YOUR PLUGIN - IT WILL CAUSE A FATAL ERROR -- MISSING
 CLOSING endif;
 if ( ! function_exists( 'wp_password_change_notification' ) ) :
     function wp_password_change_notification( $user ) {
         return;
     }
 }}}

 4. Click 'Update File'
 5. Changes are saved to the plugin, page loads and confirmation "File
 edited successfully." is displayed
 6. Attempt to load another page (for example, the same page or the home
 page) and the "white screen of death" occurs.

--
Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/39766>
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