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PHP shmop_delete() Function: Usage and Examples

Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted.

1 views Published Oct 16, 2026 Updated Oct 16, 2026

PHP shmop_delete() marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted. The examples below show how the call behaves, where it is useful, and which limitations matter.

What Is shmop_delete() in PHP?


Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted.

Its call structure is:

shmop_delete($shmop)

The arguments identify the values or resources passed to shmop_delete(). Read the examples with attention to the type of each supplied argument and to whether the function modifies its input or returns a separate result.

Requires the corresponding System V shared-memory or SHMOP extension and suitable operating-system support. IPC keys used below are illustrative; use coordinated, environment-appropriate keys in real deployments.

Example 1: Basic Usage


This example introduces shmop_delete with a direct call and a small, readable input.

<?php

$memory = shmop_open(0x34571, "c", 0600, 128);
if ($memory !== false) { var_dump(shmop_delete($memory)); }

Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted. Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.

Example 2: Another Behavior or Input


Compare this input with the previous example: changing the data or option can affect how shmop_delete behaves.

<?php

$memory = shmop_open(0x34572, "n", 0600, 128);
if ($memory !== false) { shmop_write($memory, "test", 0); shmop_delete($memory); }

The changed input illustrates why output may differ with the chosen values or environment. Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.

Practical Example: Using the Feature


The following example incorporates shmop_delete into a workflow. Values such as paths, connection handles and configuration options must come from trusted application settings.

<?php

$memory = shmop_open(0x34573, "n", 0600, 128);
if ($memory !== false) { try { echo shmop_size($memory); } finally { shmop_delete($memory); } }

In a real application, check each operation result, validate values before use and clean up acquired resources. Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Purpose: Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted.
  • Key limitation: Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.
  • Failure handling: Check return values and handle invalid inputs and unavailable operating-system or extension features where relevant.

Comparison With Related Functions


Function or ApproachBest Fit
shmop_delete()Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted.
shmop_open()Opens a byte-addressable shared-memory segment, whereas shm_attach() exposes serialized PHP values.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.The correct approach depends on this behavior: Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.
Ignoring errors or cleanup after the operation.Validate inputs and check each result; close files, restore settings or release resources when the operation requires it.

Key Takeaways


  • Marks an SHMOP shared-memory segment to be deleted.
  • Deletion does not replace closing active handles; other processes may still be attached.
  • Use the examples as starting points, and adapt environmental paths, resources and permissions rather than assuming fixed results.

shmop_delete is useful when its specific behavior fits the problem. The safest implementations combine the correct API with input validation, error checking and resource cleanup.

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