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

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

What Is Phar::convertToExecutable() Method?

Converts a PharData archive into an executable Phar archive.

Its syntax is:

Phar::convertToExecutable(?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 ?Phar. Creating an executable archive may be blocked by phar.readonly.

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: Creating an executable archive may be blocked by phar.readonly.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::convertToExecutable() Method: converts a PharData archive into an executable 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);
$dataArchive = new PharData(__DIR__ . "/archive.tar");
$executableArchive = $dataArchive->convertToExecutable(Phar::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::convertToExecutable() Method. Notice the different checks, arguments, or output handling.

<?php

$tarData = new PharData(__DIR__ . "/package.tar");
if (Phar::canWrite()) { $executable = $tarData->convertToExecutable(Phar::PHAR, Phar::NONE); }

This variation matters because creating an executable archive may be blocked by phar.readonly.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$source = new PharData(__DIR__ . "/distribution.tar");
if (!Phar::canWrite()) { throw new RuntimeException("Executable Phar writing is disabled"); }
$executable = $source->convertToExecutable(Phar::PHAR, Phar::NONE);
echo $executable->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 a PharData archive into an executable Phar archive.
• Limitation: Creating an executable archive may be blocked by phar.readonly.
• 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::convertToExecutable() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::convertToData(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Converts a PharData archive into an executable Phar archive.
• Creating an executable archive may be blocked by phar.readonly.
• Related operation: Phar::convertToData() — Creates a non-executable data archive instead.

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