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PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples

Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing.

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

Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing. The examples focus on the implementation and the checks that matter before using it in an application.

What Is the Approach?


Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing.

The following sections use rewinddir() and related PHP facilities to demonstrate a small working pattern and the validation needed around it.

Example 1: Basic Usage


This example introduces PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples with a direct call and a small, readable input.

<?php

$directory = dir($directoryPath); if ($directory !== false) { $directory->read(); $directory->rewind(); $directory->close(); }

Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing. Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.

Example 2: Another Behavior or Input


Compare this input with the previous example: changing the data or option can affect how PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples behaves.

<?php

$directory = dir($directoryPath); if ($directory !== false) { echo $directory->read(); $directory->rewind(); echo $directory->read(); $directory->close(); }

The changed input illustrates why output may differ with the chosen values or environment. Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.

Practical Example: Using the Feature


The following example incorporates PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples into a workflow. Values such as paths, connection handles and configuration options must come from trusted application settings.

<?php

$directory = dir($directoryPath); if ($directory === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Open failed"); } try { while ($directory->read() !== false) { } $directory->rewind(); while (($entryName = $directory->read()) !== false) { echo $entryName . "\n"; } } finally { $directory->close(); }

In a real application, check each operation result, validate values before use and clean up acquired resources. Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Purpose: Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing.
  • Key limitation: Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.
  • 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
PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and ExamplesMove an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing.
rewinddir()Resets procedural directory iteration; Directory::rewind() resets the object-oriented Directory handle.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.The correct approach depends on this behavior: Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.
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


  • Move an open Directory handle back to the beginning of the listing.
  • Rewinding does not freeze the directory contents while other processes change files.
  • Use the examples as starting points, and adapt environmental paths, resources and permissions rather than assuming fixed results.

PHP Directory::rewind() Method: Usage and Examples 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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