PHP pg_lo_unlink() Function: Usage and Examples

pg_lo_unlink() deletes a PostgreSQL large object by its object identifier. This guide explains the function with focused examples and the decisions that matter in real applications.

What Is pg_lo_unlink() in PHP?

Deletes a PostgreSQL large object by its object identifier.

A typical call looks like this:

<?php

pg_lo_unlink($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier);

The input arguments shown in the call identify the relevant connection, resource, value, path or configuration for the operation. Pay attention to argument order and to the return value demonstrated below.

In the examples, $databaseConnection is a PostgreSQL connection created with pg_connect(). A $queryResult is produced by pg_query(). Large-object handles are transaction-scoped. A false result should be treated as a failed operation, not as empty data.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example uses pg_lo_unlink() directly to demonstrate its basic purpose.

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
pg_query($databaseConnection, "BEGIN");
$objectIdentifier = pg_lo_create($databaseConnection);
if ($objectIdentifier === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot create large object."); }
$largeObject = pg_lo_open($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier, "rw");
if ($largeObject === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot open large object."); }
$binaryData = "Sample bytes";
$exportPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/sample-lo.bin";
$secondPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/other-lo.bin";
$importPath = $exportPath;
$secondIdentifier = $objectIdentifier;
pg_lo_write($largeObject, "Example file contents");
pg_lo_close($largeObject);

$result = pg_lo_unlink($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier);
var_dump($result);
pg_query($databaseConnection, "ROLLBACK");

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Example 2: A Different Input or Option

The next example changes the input or option, showing another supported use of pg_lo_unlink().

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
pg_query($databaseConnection, "BEGIN");
$objectIdentifier = pg_lo_create($databaseConnection);
if ($objectIdentifier === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot create large object."); }
$largeObject = pg_lo_open($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier, "rw");
if ($largeObject === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot open large object."); }
$binaryData = "Sample bytes";
$exportPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/sample-lo.bin";
$secondPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/other-lo.bin";
$importPath = $exportPath;
$secondIdentifier = $objectIdentifier;
pg_lo_write($largeObject, "Example file contents");
pg_lo_close($largeObject);

$result = pg_lo_unlink($databaseConnection, $secondIdentifier);
var_dump($result);
pg_query($databaseConnection, "ROLLBACK");

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

In application code, pg_lo_unlink() belongs in a controlled workflow with input validation, a checked result and cleanup where needed.

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
pg_query($databaseConnection, "BEGIN");
$objectIdentifier = pg_lo_create($databaseConnection);
if ($objectIdentifier === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot create large object."); }
$largeObject = pg_lo_open($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier, "rw");
if ($largeObject === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Cannot open large object."); }
$binaryData = "Sample bytes";
$exportPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/sample-lo.bin";
$secondPath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/other-lo.bin";
$importPath = $exportPath;
$secondIdentifier = $objectIdentifier;
pg_lo_write($largeObject, "Example file contents");
pg_lo_close($largeObject);

$result = pg_lo_unlink($databaseConnection, $objectIdentifier);
var_dump($result);
pg_query($databaseConnection, "ROLLBACK");

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Main behavior: Deletes a PostgreSQL large object by its object identifier.
• Important limitation: Deletion is permanent when committed; distinguish unlinking a large object from closing it.
• Requirements: PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Deletes a PostgreSQL large object by its object identifier.
• Deletion is permanent when committed; distinguish unlinking a large object from closing it.
• PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.

Use pg_lo_unlink() when its behavior matches your task, and verify the relevant return value before taking further action. These examples are illustrative and require an existing PostgreSQL database containing the named example tables; do not run them against production data.