PHP ftp_nb_get() Function: Usage and Examples

In PHP, ftp_nb_get() helps with runtime and application data. Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue().

What Is ftp_nb_get() in PHP?

The function or method has a specific purpose: Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue(). The following examples show the main call, one additional situation, and an application-style use.

Syntax:

<?php
ftp_nb_get(FTP\Connection $ftp, string $local_filename, string $remote_filename, int $mode = ..., int $offset = ...) : int|false

Parameters and Return Value

• $ftp (FTP\Connection) — argument used by this API to perform its operation; required.
• $local_filename (string) — argument used by this API to perform its operation; required.
• $remote_filename (string) — argument used by this API to perform its operation; required.
• $mode (int) — argument used by this API to perform its operation; optional.
• $offset (int) — argument used by this API to perform its operation; optional.

Example 1: Basic Usage

Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue().

<?php
$ftpConnection = ftp_connect("ftp.example.test");
if ($ftpConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed"); }
// Authenticate before requesting the file.
$status = ftp_nb_get($ftpConnection, __DIR__ . "/download.txt", "/public/export.txt", FTP_BINARY);
while ($status === FTP_MOREDATA) { $status = ftp_nb_continue($ftpConnection); }
var_dump($status === FTP_FINISHED);
ftp_close($ftpConnection);

This example demonstrates the central operation. The final output depends on the supplied input and, where relevant, the runtime or connected service.

Example 2: Handling a Different Case

<?php
// Optional parameters and failures matter; check return values before continuing.
$ftpConnection = ftp_connect("ftp.example.test");
if ($ftpConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed"); }
// Authenticate before requesting the file.
$status = ftp_nb_get($ftpConnection, __DIR__ . "/download.txt", "/public/export.txt", FTP_BINARY);
while ($status === FTP_MOREDATA) { $status = ftp_nb_continue($ftpConnection); }
var_dump($status === FTP_FINISHED);
ftp_close($ftpConnection);

The second example focuses on a different input or failure condition, so the behavior can be distinguished from the basic case.

Practical Example

<?php
// In an application, place the call inside a checked workflow.
$ftpConnection = ftp_connect("ftp.example.test");
if ($ftpConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed"); }
// Authenticate before requesting the file.
$status = ftp_nb_get($ftpConnection, __DIR__ . "/download.txt", "/public/export.txt", FTP_BINARY);
while ($status === FTP_MOREDATA) { $status = ftp_nb_continue($ftpConnection); }
var_dump($status === FTP_FINISHED);
ftp_close($ftpConnection);

The practical example demonstrates how the same subject fits into a larger application. Use your own file paths, endpoints and validated inputs rather than copying sample settings directly.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue().
• Check the return value and exceptions for failure before using the result. If an extension or external system is required, the example only works when that dependency is available. Network outcomes are not deterministic and responses should not be assumed to be successful.
• Use the documented return type and handle false, null and exceptions according to the specific call.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue().
• Check the return value and exceptions for failure before using the result. If an extension or external system is required, the example only works when that dependency is available. Network outcomes are not deterministic and responses should not be assumed to be successful.
• Use the documented return type and handle false, null and exceptions according to the specific call.

Starts a non-blocking FTP download and continues it until complete using ftp_nb_continue(). Use this approach when its capabilities and constraints match the application. Handle invalid data, failure conditions and resource cleanup explicitly.