The readfile() function in PHP is an inbuilt function which is used to read a file and write it to the output buffer. The filename is sent as a parameter to the readfile() function and it returns the number of bytes read on success, or FALSE and an error on failure.
By adding an ‘@’ in front of the function name the error output can be hidden.
Syntax:
readfile(filename, include_path, context)
Parameters Used:
The readfile() function in PHP accepts three parameters.
- filename : It is a mandatory parameter which specifies the file name.
- include_path : It is an optional parameter which can be set to 1 if you want to search for a file in the include_path in php
- context : It is an optional parameter which specifies the behavior of the stream.
Return Value:
It returns the number of bytes read on success, or FALSE and an error on failure.
Note: URL can be used as a filename with this function if the fopen wrappers have been enabled.
Errors And Exception
- Turning off output buffering before calling Readfile() function may help in reading larger files into the memory.
Examples:
Input : echo readfile("gfg.txt");
Output : A computer portal for neveropen!
Input : $myfile = @readfile("gfg.txt");
if (!$myfile)
{
print "File could not be opened";
}
Output : A computer portal for neveropen!
Below programs illustrate the readfile() function.
Suppose there is a file named “gfg.txt”
Program 1
<?php // writing file contents on the output // buffer using readfile() function echo readfile("gfg.txt"); ?> |
Output:
A computer portal for neveropen!
Program 2
<?php // writing file contents on the output // buffer using readfile() function $myfile = @readfile("gfg.txt"); if (!$myfile) { print "File could not be opened"; } ?> |
Output:
A computer portal for neveropen!
