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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::getMetadata() Method addresses a specific part of that process: returns stored archive metadata after deserialization. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::getMetadata() Method?

Returns stored archive metadata after deserialization.

Its syntax is:

Phar::getMetadata(array $unserializeOptions = [])

The parameters are:

• array $unserializeOptions = [] — Options used during metadata unserialization, such as allowed_classes set to false.

Return value: The declared return type is mixed. Metadata may contain serialized objects; use restricted unserialization options when reading untrusted archives.

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: Metadata may contain serialized objects; use restricted unserialization options when reading untrusted archives.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::getMetadata() Method: returns stored archive metadata after deserialization. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$archivePath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/example-package.phar";
$archive = new Phar($archivePath);
$archive->setMetadata(["release" => "v2"]);
$metadata = $archive->getMetadata(["allowed_classes" => false]);
var_dump($metadata);

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/local.phar");
if ($archive->hasMetadata()) { $metadata = $archive->getMetadata(["allowed_classes" => false]); var_dump($metadata); }

This variation matters because metadata may contain serialized objects; use restricted unserialization options when reading untrusted archives.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/sample.phar");
if ($archive->hasMetadata()) {
    $data = $archive->getMetadata(["allowed_classes" => false]);
    if (is_array($data)) { print_r(array_keys($data)); }
}

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: Returns stored archive metadata after deserialization.
• Limitation: Metadata may contain serialized objects; use restricted unserialization options when reading untrusted archives.
• 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::getMetadata() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::hasMetadata(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Returns stored archive metadata after deserialization.
• Metadata may contain serialized objects; use restricted unserialization options when reading untrusted archives.
• Related operation: Phar::hasMetadata() — Checks for metadata without deserializing or returning its value.

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