PHP-CLI
PHP-CLI, or PHP Command Line Interface, is a version of the PHP scripting language specifically designed for use on the command line, rather than on a web server. Here's a detailed overview:
Overview
- Purpose: PHP-CLI allows developers to run PHP scripts directly from the command line, which is useful for tasks like:
- Automating tasks.
- Creating command-line tools.
- Batch processing or scheduled jobs.
- Features: It provides full access to PHP's capabilities without the need for a web server environment. Key features include:
- Access to PHP's standard input/output streams.
- Ability to use command-line arguments.
- Support for environment variables.
History
- PHP-CLI was introduced as part of the PHP 4.3.0 release in December 2002, although command-line execution was possible in earlier versions, it wasn't as refined or officially supported.
- Over time, enhancements were made to improve the CLI experience:
- PHP 5.4 introduced the
-a option for interactive mode.
- PHP 5.6 added the
-S flag for running a built-in web server.
Usage
- To run a PHP script from the command line, you would typically use:
php script.php
- Command-line options:
-a: Enter interactive shell.-c: Look for php.ini file in this directory.-f: Parse and execute the specified file.-r: Run PHP code without using script tags.
Context
- PHP-CLI is particularly valuable in environments where web server interaction isn't necessary or desired. Here are some use cases:
- DevOps: For scripting server management tasks.
- Data Processing: Running large data sets through PHP scripts.
- Automation: Automating repetitive tasks or setting up cron jobs.
Sources
Related Topics: