Running PHP Scripts from the Command Line

CLI PHP scripts execute without a web request and commonly return status codes to the shell.

What It Does

CLI PHP scripts execute without a web request and commonly return status codes to the shell. The following examples distinguish a normal use case, a boundary case and a practical application.

Requirements and Compatibility

PHP 8.x and a local test environment. Apply input validation, correct error handling and the requirements of any optional libraries.

The code focuses on the core concept. Production implementation may also need routes, validation, persistence, authorization or deployment tooling.

Example 1: Basic Behavior

Understand the primary operation and its inputs.

<?php
$argv = ['tool.php', '--task=export'];
$task = str_starts_with($argv[1], '--task=') ? substr($argv[1], 7) : '';
echo $argv[1]; // For actual parsing, call getopt() on the live CLI process

Example 2: Another Case

Check failure behavior or a different execution path.

<?php
$args = ['script.php', '--count', '5'];
$index = array_search('--count', $args, true);
$count = $index !== false ? filter_var($args[$index + 1] ?? null, FILTER_VALIDATE_INT) : false;
echo $count === false ? 'Invalid count' : $count;

Practical Example: Putting It to Use

Use PHP_BINARY to identify the executing CLI runtime rather than assuming the shell path.

<?php
$path = PHP_BINARY;
echo is_file($path) ? basename($path) : 'PHP runtime detected';

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Set an explicit working directory and avoid assuming $_SERVER contains HTTP variables.

Comparison with Related Functions or Approaches

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• CLI PHP scripts execute without a web request and commonly return status codes to the shell.
• Set an explicit working directory and avoid assuming $_SERVER contains HTTP variables.
• Use shebangs, chmod and a process supervisor if operating scripts as services.

Before adapting these examples, verify the return values, test the failure paths and confirm that your application meets its security and environment requirements.