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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::decompressFiles() Method addresses a specific part of that process: removes per-file compression from member files. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::decompressFiles() Method?

Removes per-file compression from member files.

Its syntax is:

Phar::decompressFiles()

This function or method takes no parameters.

Return value: The declared return type is true. This modifies archive storage and may affect disk usage.

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: This modifies archive storage and may affect disk usage.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::decompressFiles() Method: removes per-file compression from member files. 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");
$archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ);
$archive->decompressFiles();

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/uncompress-files.phar");
$archive->addFromString("data.txt", str_repeat("abc", 200));
$archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ);
$archive->decompressFiles();

This variation matters because this modifies archive storage and may affect disk usage.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(sys_get_temp_dir() . "/file-compression.phar");
$archive->addFromString("data.txt", str_repeat("data", 100));
$archive->compressFiles(Phar::GZ);
$archive->decompressFiles();
var_dump($archive["data.txt"]->isCompressed());

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: Removes per-file compression from member files.
• Limitation: This modifies archive storage and may affect disk usage.
• 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::decompressFiles() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::decompress(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Removes per-file compression from member files.
• This modifies archive storage and may affect disk usage.
• Related operation: Phar::decompress() — Removes whole-archive compression rather than per-member compression.

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