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

PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::mount() Method addresses a specific part of that process: mounts an external filesystem path into the virtual Phar filesystem. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.

What Is Phar::mount() Method?

Mounts an external filesystem path into the virtual Phar filesystem.

Its syntax is:

Phar::mount(string $pharPath, string $externalPath)

The parameters are:

• string $pharPath — Virtual phar:// path being associated with an external file or directory.
• string $externalPath — Actual filesystem path to expose at the specified virtual PHAR path.

Return value: This method returns no value.

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: Mounting does not physically add the file to the archive.

Example 1: Basic Usage

The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::mount() Method: mounts an external filesystem path into the virtual Phar filesystem. Inputs are defined locally or shown as application-controlled paths.

<?php

Phar::mount("phar://application.phar/resources/config.json", __DIR__ . "/config.json");

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

<?php

// From code running in application.phar:
Phar::mount("phar://application.phar/config/runtime.json", "/private/config/runtime.json");

This variation matters because mounting does not physically add the file to the archive.

Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries

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

<?php

// In the executable archive stub:
Phar::mount("phar://application.phar/config/local.php", "/private/config/local.php");
require "phar://application.phar/bootstrap.php";

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: Mounts an external filesystem path into the virtual Phar filesystem.
• Limitation: Mounting does not physically add the file to the archive.
• 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::mount() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::interceptFileFuncs(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Mounts an external filesystem path into the virtual Phar filesystem.
• Mounting does not physically add the file to the archive.
• Related operation: Phar::interceptFileFuncs() — Redirects some relative file calls, while mount() maps an explicitly chosen external path.

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