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PHP cli_set_process_title() Function: Usage and Examples

Learn how PHP cli_set_process_title works with practical examples, important behavior, relevant alternatives and common mistakes.

1 views Published Oct 16, 2026 Updated Oct 16, 2026

Changes the current process title in supported command-line environments.

What Is cli_set_process_title() in PHP?

Changes the current process title in supported command-line environments.

Its syntax is:

cli_set_process_title(string $title): bool

Parameters:

  • $title — Accepted as string; required argument.

Return type: bool. Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

Availability: CLI support depends on the operating system.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

var_dump(PHP_SAPI === "cli");

Result: Results and availability depend on the current PHP process, system permissions, cache, filesystem or installed locale. Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

Example 2: A Different Input

<?php

echo function_exists("cli_set_process_title") ? "Supported" : "Unavailable";

Result: Results and availability depend on the current PHP process, system permissions, cache, filesystem or installed locale. Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

Practical Example: Applying It in a Program

<?php

if (PHP_SAPI === "cli" && function_exists("cli_set_process_title")) { cli_set_process_title("php-report-worker"); echo "Title requested"; }

Result: Results and availability depend on the current PHP process, system permissions, cache, filesystem or installed locale. Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

  • Key behavior: Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.
  • Environment: CLI support depends on the operating system.

Comparison With Related Functions

FunctionPurpose
cli_set_process_title()Changes the current process title in supported command-line environments.
cli_get_process_title()cli_get_process_title() reads a process title; cli_set_process_title() attempts to set one.

Common Beginner Mistakes

MistakeCorrect Approach
Ignoring this behavior: Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the scriptProcess-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

Key Takeaways

  • Changes the current process title in supported command-line environments.
  • Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.
  • CLI support depends on the operating system.

Summary: Process-title support varies by platform and execution environment; setting a title does not rename the script.

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