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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::compress() Method addresses a specific part of that process: creates a compressed copy of the whole Phar archive. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::compress() Method?

Creates a compressed copy of the whole Phar archive.

Its syntax is:

Phar::compress(int $compression, ?string $extension = null)

The parameters are:

• int $compression — Compression type such as Phar::GZ where supported.
• ?string $extension = null — Optional extension for the converted or compressed archive output.

Return value: The declared return type is ?Phar. Archive-level compression differs from compressing individual files; supported compression extensions matter.

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: Archive-level compression differs from compressing individual files; supported compression extensions matter.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::compress() Method: creates a compressed copy of the whole Phar archive. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$archivePath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/example-package.phar";
$archive = new Phar($archivePath);
$compressedArchive = $archive->compress(Phar::GZ);
var_dump($compressedArchive instanceof Phar);

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::compress() Method. Notice the different checks, arguments, or output handling.

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/compress-me.phar");
$archive->addFromString("hello.txt", "hello");
if (Phar::canCompress(Phar::GZ)) { $compressed = $archive->compress(Phar::GZ); }

This variation matters because archive-level compression differs from compressing individual files; supported compression extensions matter.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/releases.phar");
$archive->addFromString("release.txt", "release-1");
if (Phar::canCompress(Phar::GZ)) {
    $gzArchive = $archive->compress(Phar::GZ);
    if ($gzArchive instanceof Phar) { echo $gzArchive->getPathname(); }
}

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: Creates a compressed copy of the whole Phar archive.
• Limitation: Archive-level compression differs from compressing individual files; supported compression extensions matter.
• 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::compress() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::compressFiles(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Creates a compressed copy of the whole Phar archive.
• Archive-level compression differs from compressing individual files; supported compression extensions matter.
• Related operation: Phar::compressFiles() — Compresses individual member files, rather than the whole archive container.

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