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PHP MongoDB\Driver\Manager::startSession() Method: Usage and Examples

Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 admin

Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.

Before using it, identify which data, connection or runtime state the operation reads or changes. This avoids examples that appear to work but apply to a different context.

What Is MongoDB\Driver\Manager::startSession() in PHP?


Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.

Syntax:

<?php

// Signature for reference only
MongoDB\Driver\Manager::startSession(...)

Parameters and Return Value


Required arguments and available parameters depend on the installed extension and PHP version. Check the actual API signature for the deployment target before adapting these examples.

The result depends on the installed extension and the surrounding runtime.

Example 1: Basic Usage


<?php

// Requires the mongodb extension and a configured MongoDB server.
$databaseManager = new MongoDB\Driver\Manager("mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017");
$databaseSession = $databaseManager->startSession();
$databaseSession->endSession();

Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.

Example 2: Another Case


<?php

// Start a causally consistent client session.
$databaseManager = new MongoDB\Driver\Manager("mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017");
$databaseSession = $databaseManager->startSession(["causalConsistency" => true]);
$databaseSession->endSession();

The second example changes the input or surrounding conditions, which matters when choosing this API for real application code.

Practical Example


<?php

$databaseManager = new MongoDB\Driver\Manager("mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017");
$databaseSession = $databaseManager->startSession();
try {
    // Pass ["session" => $databaseSession] to supported manager operations.
} finally {
    $databaseSession->endSession();
}

The practical example is a teaching scenario. Change sample configuration and credentials before using a similar design in an application.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


  • Results depend on the active PHP configuration; do not expose environment internals on public pages.
  • Relevant PHP environment: Extension-specific. Ensure the required extension and operating-system capabilities are present.
  • Check results and release resources where necessary; successful syntax alone does not guarantee a successful operation.

Comparison With Related Functions


OptionWhen to Use It
MongoDB\Driver\Manager::startSessionStarts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.
phpinfoUse this related operation for its different responsibilities; do not assume identical inputs or return values.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect Approach
Assuming a successful return valueInspect the returned value and handle failures according to this operation’s contract.
Using the API without its required environmentSupply the required resources, runtime configuration and permissions before calling it.
Copying demonstration values into productionUse application-specific validated values, secure configuration and safe error handling.

Key Takeaways


  • Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions.
  • Results depend on the active PHP configuration; do not expose environment internals on public pages.
  • Validate inputs and handle failure conditions before integrating this operation into a production workflow.

Starts a logical MongoDB client session that can be passed to operations requiring causal consistency or multi-document transactions. Use the appropriate runtime and treat any environment-dependent output as an example, not a guaranteed result.

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