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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::isCompressed() Method addresses a specific part of that process: checks whether an archive uses whole-archive compression. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::isCompressed() Method?

Checks whether an archive uses whole-archive compression.

Its syntax is:

Phar::isCompressed()

This function or method takes no parameters.

Return value: The declared return type is int|false. It differs from per-member compression and may return a compression constant.

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: It differs from per-member compression and may return a compression constant.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::isCompressed() Method: checks whether an archive uses whole-archive compression. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

$archivePath = sys_get_temp_dir() . "/example-package.phar";
$archive = new Phar($archivePath);
var_dump($archive->isCompressed());

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/application.phar");
var_dump($archive->isCompressed() === Phar::GZ);

This variation matters because it differs from per-member compression and may return a compression constant.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/application.phar");
$mode = $archive->isCompressed();
if ($mode === Phar::GZ) { echo "Whole archive uses gzip"; } elseif ($mode === Phar::BZ2) { echo "Whole archive uses bzip2"; }

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: Checks whether an archive uses whole-archive compression.
• Limitation: It differs from per-member compression and may return a compression constant.
• 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::isCompressed() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::isFileFormat(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Checks whether an archive uses whole-archive compression.
• It differs from per-member compression and may return a compression constant.
• Related operation: Phar::isFileFormat() — Checks archive container format; isCompressed() checks whole-archive compression.

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