PHAR archives can package multiple resources into a single file. Phar::offsetGet() Method addresses a specific part of that process: returns a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry. The examples distinguish archive-level effects from member-level effects.
What Is Phar::offsetGet() Method?
Returns a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry.
Its syntax is:
Phar::offsetGet($localName)
The parameters are:
$localName— Path of the member inside a Phar archive.
Return value: The declared return type is SplFileInfo. Check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing.
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: Check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing.
Example 1: Basic Usage
The basic example focuses on the behavior of Phar::offsetGet() Method: returns a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry. 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("docs/intro.txt", "Hello");
$entry = $archive->offsetGet("docs/intro.txt");
echo $entry->getContent();
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::offsetGet() Method. Notice the different checks, arguments, or output handling.
<?php
$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/application.phar");
if ($archive->offsetExists("docs/readme.txt")) {
$readmeEntry = $archive->offsetGet("docs/readme.txt");
echo $readmeEntry->getSize();
}
This variation matters because check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing.
Practical Example: Working with Archive Entries
The following example demonstrates how Phar::offsetGet() Method fits into a more complete file or archive workflow, including inputs and appropriate checks.
<?php
$archive = new Phar(__DIR__ . "/release.phar");
$entryName = "docs/readme.txt";
if ($archive->offsetExists($entryName)) {
$entry = $archive->offsetGet($entryName);
echo "Size: " . $entry->getSize();
}
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 a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry.
- Limitation: Check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing.
- 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
| Function or Method | Difference |
|---|---|
Phar::offsetGet() Method | Returns a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry. |
Phar::offsetExists() | Checks for entry existence before reading it with offsetGet(). |
Use Phar::offsetGet() Method for the specific behavior described above. The related operation, Phar::offsetExists(), serves a different purpose; do not substitute it unless that different behavior is intended.
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Confusing archive-level operations with operations on individual entries. | Check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing. Confirm the expected archive format, member path and read/write permissions. |
| Treating Phar::offsetExists() as an interchangeable replacement for Phar::offsetGet() Method. | Checks for entry existence before reading it with offsetGet(). |
Key Takeaways
- Returns a PharFileInfo object for the named archive entry.
- Check offsetExists() or catch the appropriate exception if the entry is missing.
- Related operation: Phar::offsetExists() — Checks for entry existence before reading it with offsetGet().
Phar::offsetGet() Method is useful when its specific behavior matches your application requirement. Keep paths controlled, check failures, and handle environment-dependent operations deliberately.