In PHP, stream_is_local() is useful when your application needs a specific operation rather than manually reproducing it. Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.
Stream functions work with PHP stream resources, wrappers, contexts or custom filters. Not every wrapper supports every operation.
What Is stream_is_local() in PHP?
Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.
Signature:
stream_is_local($stream): boolParameters:
$stream— An already opened stream resource, not a filesystem path string.
Return value: bool.
Example 1: Basic Usage
This first example shows the method or function in a minimal context. For environment-dependent operations, adapt the required path, stream or connection before running it.
<?php
$local = stream_is_local("file:///tmp/report.txt");
var_dump($local);
The important operation is stream_is_local(). Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.
Example 2: Another Input or Scenario
The next example changes the input or surrounding context to show how the operation behaves in a second situation.
<?php
$remote = stream_is_local("https://example.test/resource");
var_dump($remote);
Compare the inputs and the handling of the return value with the first example. Avoid assuming that filesystem paths, resource states or binary bytes are interchangeable.
Practical Example: Applying the Operation
This example illustrates how the operation fits into a small application workflow. Paths, streams and secrets must be created or provided securely by the calling application.
<?php
$uri = "php://temp";
if (stream_is_local($uri)) { echo "Local wrapper"; }
Practical note: Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.
Important Behavior and Edge Cases
- Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.
- Check failure values and exceptions; do not assume every environment supports the same stream wrapper, extension or filesystem capability.
- When handling paths, streams or external input, validate inputs before using results and release resources after use.
Comparison With Related Functions
| Function or Method | Behavior |
|---|---|
stream_is_local() | checks whether a wrapper or stream is local. |
stream_socket_client() | actually attempts an outgoing socket connection. |
Common Beginner Mistakes
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Assuming a successful check guarantees future operations | Treat the check as information at one moment; handle failures when the actual operation runs. |
| Assuming a resource result is always successful | Check false returns, actual byte counts, and resource state before using the result. |
| Confusing local and remote stream behavior | Read the wrapper capabilities and handle unsupported operations explicitly. |
Key Takeaways
stream_is_local()checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream.- Use appropriate input types and verify results before continuing.
- Prefer specialized, safer APIs when the operation concerns untrusted input, encryption or network traffic.
In summary: Checks whether the supplied stream or URI resolves through a local wrapper rather than a remote stream. Build in error handling and use this function where its specific behavior matches the application requirements.