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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::compressFiles() Method addresses a specific part of that process: compresses eligible member files inside an existing Phar archive. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::compressFiles() Method?

Compresses eligible member files inside an existing Phar archive.

Its syntax is:

Phar::compressFiles(int $compression)

The parameters are:

• int $compression — Compression type such as Phar::GZ where supported.

Return value: This method returns no value.

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: Per-file compression may require zlib or bz2 and changes the archive contents.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::compressFiles() Method: compresses eligible member files inside an existing 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);
$archive->addFromString("notes.txt", "example");
$archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ);

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/members.phar");
$archive->addFromString("notes.txt", str_repeat("notes ", 50));
if (Phar::canCompress(Phar::GZ)) { $archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ); }

This variation matters because per-file compression may require zlib or bz2 and changes the archive contents.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/text-compression.phar");
$archive->addFromString("report.txt", str_repeat("report ", 1000));
if (Phar::canCompress(Phar::GZ)) { $archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ); }

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: Compresses eligible member files inside an existing Phar archive.
• Limitation: Per-file compression may require zlib or bz2 and changes the archive contents.
• 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::compressFiles() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::compress(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Compresses eligible member files inside an existing Phar archive.
• Per-file compression may require zlib or bz2 and changes the archive contents.
• Related operation: Phar::compress() — Compresses the complete archive instead of individual files.

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