Backend Development 2 min read

PHP readfile() Function: Description, Parameters, Return Value, and Example

The article explains PHP's readfile() function, detailing its signature, parameters, return behavior, a practical example for file download with appropriate headers, and tips on memory usage, providing a concise guide for backend developers.

Laravel Tech Community
Laravel Tech Community
Laravel Tech Community
PHP readfile() Function: Description, Parameters, Return Value, and Example

The PHP readfile() function reads a file and writes it to the output buffer, returning the number of bytes read or FALSE on error.

Signature: int readfile(string $filename[, bool $use_include_path = false[, resource $context]])

Parameters:

filename : the name of the file to read.

use_include_path : optional boolean to search in include_path .

context : stream context resource.

Return value: Number of bytes read, or FALSE on failure (error message shown unless suppressed with @readfile() ).

Example:

Tips: readfile() itself does not cause memory problems; if memory exhaustion occurs, ensure output buffering is disabled using ob_get_level() .

BackendWeb DevelopmentPHPfile-outputreadfile
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