Chapter 6: Working with Files and Directories in PHP

In this chapter, we will explore working with files and directories in PHP. We will cover creating, opening, reading, writing, and closing files, as well as manipulating directories.

6.1 Opening and closing files:

PHP provides functions to open and close files for reading, writing, or both.

The fopen() function is used to open a file, and the fclose() function is used to close it.

Example:

php

""

<?php

   $file = fopen("example.txt", "r");

   // Code to read or write from the file

   fclose($file);

?>

6.2 Reading from files:

We can read data from files using functions such as fgets(), fread(), or file() depending on the specific requirements.

These functions allow us to read the entire file or read it line by line.

Example:

php

""

<?php

   $file = fopen("example.txt", "r");

   

   // Reading the file line by line

   while (!feof($file)) {

       $line = fgets($file);

       echo $line;

   }

   

   fclose($file);

?>

6.3 Writing to files:

We can write data to files using functions such as fwrite(), file_put_contents(), or fputs() depending on the specific requirements.

These functions allow us to write data to a file, either appending it or overwriting the existing contents.

Example:

php

""

<?php

   $file = fopen("example.txt", "w");

   

   // Writing data to the file

   fwrite($file, "Hello, World!");

   

   fclose($file);

?>

6.4 Manipulating directories:

PHP provides functions to create, delete, and manipulate directories.

Functions like mkdir(), rmdir(), and opendir() help in managing directories.

Example:

php

""

<?php

   $dir = "my_directory";

   

   // Creating a directory

   mkdir($dir);

   

   // Deleting a directory

   rmdir($dir);

?>

By following the explanations and examples in this chapter, you will gain a solid understanding of working with files and directories in PHP, allowing you to read, write, and manipulate data stored in files and manage directories effectively.