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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::decompress() Method addresses a specific part of that process: creates an uncompressed version of an archive when archive-level compression is present. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::decompress() Method?

Creates an uncompressed version of an archive when archive-level compression is present.

Its syntax is:

Phar::decompress(?string $extension = null)

The parameters are:

• ?string $extension = null — Optional extension for the converted or compressed archive output.

Return value: The declared return type is ?Phar. Decompressing the whole archive is not the same as decompressing its individual entries.

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: Decompressing the whole archive is not the same as decompressing its individual entries.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::decompress() Method: creates an uncompressed version of an archive when archive-level compression is present. 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");
$compressed = $archive->compress(Phar::GZ);
$original = $compressed->decompress();

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/decompress-example.phar");
$archive->addFromString("readme.txt", "Hi");
$gzArchive = $archive->compress(Phar::GZ);
$plainArchive = $gzArchive->decompress();

This variation matters because decompressing the whole archive is not the same as decompressing its individual entries.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$compressed = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/application.phar.gz");
if ($compressed->isCompressed() !== Phar::NONE) {
    $plain = $compressed->decompress();
    echo $plain->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: Creates an uncompressed version of an archive when archive-level compression is present.
• Limitation: Decompressing the whole archive is not the same as decompressing its individual entries.
• 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::decompress() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::decompressFiles(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Creates an uncompressed version of an archive when archive-level compression is present.
• Decompressing the whole archive is not the same as decompressing its individual entries.
• Related operation: Phar::decompressFiles() — Removes compression from archive member files, not the whole archive.

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