PHP Phar::buildFromIterator() Method: Usage and Examples

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::buildFromIterator() Method addresses a specific part of that process: builds a Phar archive from a Traversable iterator. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::buildFromIterator() Method?

Builds a Phar archive from a Traversable iterator.

Its syntax is:

Phar::buildFromIterator(Traversable $iterator, ?string $baseDirectory = null)

The parameters are:

• Traversable $iterator — Traversable source of filesystem entries or archive-name-to-file mappings.
• ?string $baseDirectory = null — Source directory prefix removed from the iterator entries when constructing archive paths.

Return value: The declared return type is array. Choose archive entry names carefully; iteration determines which files enter the archive.

Requirements: The Phar extension must be enabled. Creating or modifying executable PHAR archives generally requires the phar.readonly setting to be disabled before startup; do not change server configuration just to view this guide.

Important: Choose archive entry names carefully; iteration determines which files enter the archive.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::buildFromIterator() Method: builds a Phar archive from a Traversable iterator. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$archivePath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/example-package.phar";
$archive = new Phar($archivePath);
$files = new RecursiveIteratorIterator(new RecursiveDirectoryIterator(__DIR__ . "/package", FilesystemIterator::SKIP_DOTS));
$archive->buildFromIterator($files, __DIR__ . "/package");

The displayed value, file content or return status depends on the input and surrounding environment. Results involving local paths, identifiers or generated files are not fixed values.

Example 2: A Different Use Case

This second example illustrates another input or execution condition for Phar::buildFromIterator() Method. Notice the different checks, arguments, or output handling.

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/subset.phar");
$sourceFiles = new ArrayIterator(["README.txt" => __DIR__ . "/README.txt"]);
$archive->buildFromIterator($sourceFiles);

This variation matters because choose archive entry names carefully; iteration determines which files enter the archive.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

The following example demonstrates how Phar::buildFromIterator() Method fits into a more complete file or archive workflow, including inputs and appropriate checks.

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/template-bundle.phar");
$basePath = __DIR__ . "/templates";
$iterator = new RecursiveIteratorIterator(new RecursiveDirectoryIterator($basePath, FilesystemIterator::SKIP_DOTS));
$archive->buildFromIterator($iterator, $basePath);

The operation shown is an illustrative script. Adapt the filenames, required permissions, and error handling to your own controlled application environment before running it.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Function behavior: Builds a Phar archive from a Traversable iterator.
• Limitation: Choose archive entry names carefully; iteration determines which files enter the archive.
• Availability: The Phar extension must be enabled. Creating or modifying executable PHAR archives generally requires the phar.readonly setting to be disabled before startup; do not change server configuration just to view this guide.

Comparison With Related Functions

Use Phar::buildFromIterator() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::buildFromDirectory(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Builds a Phar archive from a Traversable iterator.
• Choose archive entry names carefully; iteration determines which files enter the archive.
• Related operation: Phar::buildFromDirectory() — Scans a source directory directly; buildFromIterator() accepts custom iteration.

Phar::buildFromIterator() Method is useful when its specific behavior matches your application requirement. Keep paths controlled, check failures, and handle environment-dependent operations deliberately.