PHP disk_free_space() Function: Usage and Examples

Reports free disk bytes for the filesystem containing a directory.

What Is disk_free_space() in PHP?

Reports free disk bytes for the filesystem containing a directory.

Its syntax is:

disk_free_space(string $directory): float|false

Parameters:

• $directory — Accepted as string; required argument.

Return type: float|false. The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.

Availability: Depends on filesystem and operating system.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

var_dump(disk_free_space(sys_get_temp_dir()) !== false);

Output:

bool(true)

The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.

Example 2: A Different Input

<?php

echo disk_free_space(".") !== false ? "Available" : "Unavailable";

Output:

Available

The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.

Practical Example: Applying It in a Program

<?php

$folderPath = sys_get_temp_dir(); $bytesFree = disk_free_space($folderPath); if ($bytesFree !== false) { echo round($bytesFree / 1024 / 1024) . " MB free"; }

Output:

30538 MB free

The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Key behavior: The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.
• Environment: Depends on filesystem and operating system.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Reports free disk bytes for the filesystem containing a directory.
• The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.
• Depends on filesystem and operating system.

Summary: The value can change immediately after checking; it does not reserve space.