PHP File Handling (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 27 May, 2025

In PHP, File handling is the process of interacting with files on the server, such as reading files, writing to a file, creating new files, or deleting existing ones. File handling is essential for applications that require the storage and retrieval of data, such as logging systems, user-generated content, or file uploads.

Types of File Operations in PHP

Several types of file operations can be performed in PHP:

• **Reading Files: PHP allows you to read data from files either entirely or line by line.
• **Writing to Files: You can write data to a file, either overwriting existing content or appending to the end.
• **File Metadata: PHP allows you to gather information about files, such as their size, type, and last modified time.
• **File Uploading: PHP can handle file uploads via forms, enabling users to submit files to the server.

Common File Handling Functions in PHP

• **fopen() - Opens a file
• **fclose() - Closes a file
• **fread() - Reads data from a file
• **fwrite() - Writes data to a file
• **file_exists() - Checks if a file exists
• **unlink() - Deletes a file

Opening and Closing Files

Before you can read or write to a file, you need to open it using the fopen() function, which returns a file pointer resource. Once you're done working with the file, you should close it using fclose() to free up resources.

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File Modes in PHP

Files can be opened in any of the following modes:

• ****"w" –** Opens a file for writing only. If the file does not exist, then a new file is created, and if the file already exists, then the file will be truncated (the contents of the file are erased).
• ****"r" –** File is open for reading only.
• ****"a" –** File is open for writing only. The file pointer points to the end of the file. Existing data in the file is preserved.
• ****"w+" –** Opens file for reading and writing both. If the file does not exist, then a new file is created, and if the file already exists, then the contents of the file are erased.
• ****"r+" –** File is open for reading and writing both.
• ****"a+" –** File is open for write/read. The file pointer points to the end of the file. Existing data in the file is preserved. If the file is not there, then a new file is created.
• ****"x" –** New file is created for write only.

Reading from Files

There are two ways to read the contents of a file in PHP. These are -

1. Reading the Entire File

You can read the entire content of a file using the fread() function or the file_get_contents() function.

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2. Reading a File Line by Line

You can use the fgets() function to read a file line by line.

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Writing to Files

You can write to files using the fwrite() function. It writes data to an open file in the specified mode.

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Deleting Files

Use the unlink() function to delete the file in PHP.

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