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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::convertToData() Method addresses a specific part of that process: converts an executable Phar archive into a data-only PharData archive. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::convertToData() Method?

Converts an executable Phar archive into a data-only PharData archive.

Its syntax is:

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

The parameters are:

• ?int $format = null — Archive container format such as Phar::TAR or Phar::PHAR.
• ?int $compression = null — 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 ?PharData. Data archives do not execute a PHP stub, unlike executable PHARs.

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: Data archives do not execute a PHP stub, unlike executable PHARs.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::convertToData() Method: converts an executable Phar archive into a data-only PharData archive. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$archivePath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/example-package.phar";
$archive = new Phar($archivePath);
$dataArchive = $archive->convertToData(Phar::TAR);
echo get_class($dataArchive);

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/convert-me.phar");
$archive->addFromString("readme.txt", "hello");
$tarData = $archive->convertToData(Phar::TAR);

This variation matters because data archives do not execute a PHP stub, unlike executable PHARs.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/distribution.phar");
$archive->addFromString("docs/install.txt", "Install the package");
$dataArchive = $archive->convertToData(Phar::TAR, Phar::NONE);
echo $dataArchive->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: Converts an executable Phar archive into a data-only PharData archive.
• Limitation: Data archives do not execute a PHP stub, unlike executable PHARs.
• 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::convertToData() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::convertToExecutable(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Converts an executable Phar archive into a data-only PharData archive.
• Data archives do not execute a PHP stub, unlike executable PHARs.
• Related operation: Phar::convertToExecutable() — Converts an archive to executable PHAR format, unlike converting it into data-only archive format.

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