Introduction to PHP copy() Function

The copy() function in PHP is used to copy a file from one location to another. It's a crucial function for server administrators and web developers who want to manage their files and directories.

The copy() function accepts two parameters, the source file and the destination file. In this article, we'll discuss the syntax and parameters of the copy() function, along with examples of how to use it.

Syntax

The syntax of the copy() function is as follows:

bool copy ( string $source , string $dest [, resource $context ] )
  • source: the source file
  • dest: the destination file
  • context: (optional) a stream context

Parameters

The copy() function takes two required parameters and one optional parameter:

  1. $source: The path to the file you want to copy. This parameter can be a string containing the path to the file.

  2. $dest: The path to the new file. This parameter can be a string containing the path to the new file.

  3. $context: An optional stream context. This parameter can be used to set additional options when copying the file.

Examples

Here are some examples of how to use the copy() function:

Example 1: Copy a file

The following example copies the file example.txt from the /home/user1/ directory to the /home/user2/ directory:

copy("/home/user1/example.txt", "/home/user2/example.txt");

Example 2: Copy a file with a stream context

The following example copies the file example.txt from the /home/user1/ directory to the /home/user2/ directory, with a stream context:

<?php

$context = stream_context_create([
    'ftp' => [
        'overwrite' => true,
    ],
]);

copy("/home/user1/example.txt", "/home/user2/example.txt", $context);

Conclusion

In conclusion, the copy() function is a crucial PHP function that can be used to copy a file from one location to another. It's essential for managing your files and directories and ensuring that they're in the correct locations.

By using the examples provided in this article, you should now be able to use the copy() function in your PHP code with ease. If you have any questions or concerns about using the copy() function in PHP, feel free to reach out to us. We'd be happy to help you out.

Practice Your Knowledge

What does the copy() function in PHP do?

Quiz Time: Test Your Skills!

Ready to challenge what you've learned? Dive into our interactive quizzes for a deeper understanding and a fun way to reinforce your knowledge.

Do you find this helpful?