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PHP Command Line Interface

📘 PHP 👁 30 views 📅 Dec 22, 2025
⏱ Estimated reading time: 2 min

What is PHP CLI?

PHP CLI (Command Line Interface) allows you to run PHP scripts directly from the command line or terminal, without a web server. It is commonly used for automation, cron jobs, background tasks, and scripts.

Why Use PHP CLI?

  • No web server required

  • Faster execution

  • Ideal for automation & cron jobs

  • Easy debugging

  • Used by frameworks (Laravel Artisan, Symfony Console)

Check PHP CLI Installation

php -v

If PHP CLI is installed, it will show the PHP version.

Running a PHP Script from CLI

Create a file test.php:

<?php
echo "Hello PHP CLI";

Run it:

php test.php

PHP CLI vs Web PHP

FeaturePHP CLIWeb PHP
ExecutionTerminalBrowser
ServerNot requiredRequired
OutputTextHTML
Use caseAutomationWeb apps

Command Line Arguments

Access arguments using $argv.

<?php
echo $argv[1];

Run:

php script.php hello

Getting Argument Count

echo $argc;

Reading User Input

$input = trim(fgets(STDIN));
echo "You entered: $input";

Creating Executable PHP Scripts (Linux/macOS)

#!/usr/bin/php
<?php
echo "Executable script";

Make executable:

chmod +x script.php
./script.php

PHP CLI for Cron Jobs

Cron Job Example

* * * * * php /path/to/script.php

Environment Variables in CLI

echo getenv("PATH");

CLI Colors (Basic)

echo "\033[32mSuccess\033[0m";

PHP Built-in CLI Server

php -S localhost:8000

Common CLI Use Cases

  • Scheduled tasks

  • Database backups

  • Data processing

  • Email scripts

  • Queue workers

Best Practices

  • Handle errors properly

  • Validate CLI arguments

  • Log output to files

  • Use exit codes

  • Secure sensitive data

Conclusion

PHP CLI is a powerful tool for automation and backend tasks. Mastering PHP CLI allows developers to create efficient scripts beyond traditional web applications.

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