How can a PHP developer determine if they have permission to use shell_exec on a server?

A PHP developer can determine if they have permission to use shell_exec on a server by checking the PHP configuration settings. They can use the phpinfo() function to view the configuration settings and look for the disable_functions directive to see if shell_exec is listed. If shell_exec is not listed, then the developer likely has permission to use it.

<?php
phpinfo();
?>