PHP get_resource_type() Function: Usage and Examples

Use get_resource_type() when you need to returns the registered type name of a resource in a PHP application. The examples below show the actual operation and its limitations.

What Is get_resource_type() in PHP?

Returns the registered type name of a resource. The exact signature supported by your installation depends on its PHP version and enabled extensions.

Its syntax is:

get_resource_type($resource): string

Parameters and return value: The parameter types, optional arguments, references, and return type are shown in the signature above. Optional parameters are marked with an ellipsis in this reference signature.

Example 1: Basic Usage

<?php

$stream = fopen("php://temp","w+"); echo get_resource_type($stream); fclose($stream);

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Example 2: Different Input or Behavior

<?php

$stream = tmpfile(); echo get_resource_type($stream); fclose($stream);

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

<?php

$stream = fopen("php://temp","w+"); echo "Type: " . get_resource_type($stream); fclose($stream);

Result: Run the example in an environment that supports the function. Any values depending on operating-system state, installed extensions, process configuration, or network access must be checked on the target server.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

Closed resources and object-backed APIs behave differently; not every handle is a resource.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Returns the registered type name of a resource.
• Closed resources and object-backed APIs behave differently; not every handle is a resource.
• get_resource_id() provides the integer resource ID; get_resource_type() gives its type name.

Use get_resource_type() for the specific operation demonstrated above. Check its prerequisites and handle failure conditions before using it with production data.