PHP file_exists() | Check if File or Directory Exists

The PHP file_exists() function is used when we need to check whether a file or a directory exists or not. For example:

<?php
   $x = file_exists("codescracker.txt");
   if($x)
      echo "<p>The specified file is available.</p>";
   else
      echo "<p>The specified file is not available.</p>";
?>

The output of the above PHP example on the file_exists() function is:

Since the file codescracker.txt is available in the current directory, the above example produces the output that you have seen.

PHP file_exists() Syntax

The syntax of the file_exists() function in PHP is:

file_exists(path)

PHP file_exists() Example

Consider the following PHP code as an example demonstrating the "file_exists()" function:

<?php
   $file = "codescracker.txt";
   if(file_exists($file))
      echo "<p>The file, <b>$file</b> exists.</p>";
   else
      echo "<p>The file, <b>$file</b> does not exists.</p>";
   
   $path = "C:\Users\DEV\codescracker.com";
   if(file_exists($path))
      echo "<p>The path, <b>$path</b> exists.</p>";
   else
      echo "<p>The path, <b>$path</b> does not exists.</p>";
?>

In the above program, both the file and the path exist; therefore, the output produced by the above PHP example should be:

In the above example, "codescracker.txt" is assigned to $file. Then file_exists() checks if this file exists. It outputs the file name and message if the file exists. It displays the file name and a message if the file does not exist.

Next, the code sets $path to "C:\Users\DEV\codescracker.com". Then file_exists() checks if this path exists. It outputs the path name and a message if the path exists. It displays the path name and a message if the path does not exist.

When checking directory paths, use the server's file system syntax. This path uses the backslash character (\) to separate directories.

Advantages of the file_exists() function in PHP

• The file exists() function is straightforward and user-friendly. The file or directory path to be checked is the only parameter required, and it returns a boolean value indicating whether the file or directory is present or not.
• For PHP error handling, the file exists() function can be useful. You can prevent errors and guarantee that your code functions properly by verifying that a file or directory is present before attempting to access it.
• When used in conditional statements, the boolean value returned by file exists() enables you to take different actions depending on whether a file or directory exists or not.

Disadvantages of the file_exists() function in PHP

• Only checking for the existence of a file or directory, file exists() has limited functionality. The type of file or directory, its size, and other properties are not disclosed.
• When a file or directory is on a remote server, using the file exists() function to determine whether it exists can occasionally be time-consuming. Your PHP script's performance may suffer as a result.
• Attackers may use your server's file exists() function to check for the existence of sensitive files or directories. To prevent unauthorized access to your server, it is crucial to use the proper access controls and security precautions.

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