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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::copy() Method addresses a specific part of that process: copies an entry within the archive under a new name. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::copy() Method?

Copies an entry within the archive under a new name.

Its syntax is:

Phar::copy(string $from, string $to)

The parameters are:

• string $from — Source filename or archive entry name, depending on the operation.
• string $to — Destination filename or archive entry name, depending on the operation.

Return value: The declared return type is true. The destination entry must not already exist; this does not copy a file onto the host filesystem.

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: The destination entry must not already exist; this does not copy a file onto the host filesystem.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::copy() Method: copies an entry within the archive under a new name. 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("a.txt", "one");
$archive->copy("a.txt", "b.txt");
echo $archive["b.txt"]->getContent();

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/copy-example.phar");
$archive->addFromString("template.txt", "default");
if (!$archive->offsetExists("custom.txt")) { $archive->copy("template.txt", "custom.txt"); }

This variation matters because the destination entry must not already exist; this does not copy a file onto the host filesystem.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/copy-files.phar");
$archive->addFromString("templates/default.ini", "enabled=1");
$destinationName = "templates/custom.ini";
if (!$archive->offsetExists($destinationName)) { $archive->copy("templates/default.ini", $destinationName); }

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: Copies an entry within the archive under a new name.
• Limitation: The destination entry must not already exist; this does not copy a file onto the host filesystem.
• 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::copy() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::addFile(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Copies an entry within the archive under a new name.
• The destination entry must not already exist; this does not copy a file onto the host filesystem.
• Related operation: Phar::addFile() — Adds a file from the filesystem, whereas copy() duplicates an existing archive entry.

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