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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::createDefaultStub() Method addresses a specific part of that process: generates a standard PHP stub string for an executable Phar archive. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::createDefaultStub() Method?

Generates a standard PHP stub string for an executable Phar archive.

Its syntax is:

Phar::createDefaultStub(?string $index = null, ?string $webIndex = null)

The parameters are:

• ?string $index = null — Archive entry to serve as the command-line bootstrap for a default stub.
• ?string $webIndex = null — Archive entry used for web requests in a default stub.

Return value: The declared return type is string. The stub is returned as text and must be installed separately with setStub().

Important: The stub is returned as text and must be installed separately with setStub().

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::createDefaultStub() Method: generates a standard PHP stub string for an executable Phar archive. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$stubSource = Phar::createDefaultStub("index.php", "index.php");
echo strlen($stubSource);

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

<?php

$stub = Phar::createDefaultStub("bootstrap.php");
var_dump(str_contains($stub, "bootstrap.php"));

This variation matters because the stub is returned as text and must be installed separately with setStub().

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$bootFile = "main.php";
$defaultStub = Phar::createDefaultStub($bootFile);
$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/stub-example.phar");
$archive->addFromString($bootFile, "<?php echo \"Ready\";");
$archive->setStub($defaultStub);

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: Generates a standard PHP stub string for an executable Phar archive.
• Limitation: The stub is returned as text and must be installed separately with setStub().

Comparison With Related Functions

Use Phar::createDefaultStub() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::setStub(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Generates a standard PHP stub string for an executable Phar archive.
• The stub is returned as text and must be installed separately with setStub().
• Related operation: Phar::setStub() — Installs stub code into an archive; createDefaultStub() only returns suggested stub text.

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