PHP file_put_contents() Function

Quick summary: The PHP file_put_contents() function writes data to a file.

PHP file_put_contents() Syntax

file_put_contents(string $filename, mixed $data, int $flags = 0, ?resource $context = null): int|false
PHP

PHP file_put_contents() Basic examples

var_dump(file_put_contents('test.txt', 'Hello'));
PHP
Output:
int(5)

Writes data and returns the number of bytes written.

PHP file_put_contents() Real-world usage

$log = "Error occurred";
file_put_contents('app.log', $log, FILE_APPEND);
PHP
Output:
int(...)

Appends data to log files.

PHP file_put_contents() Edge cases

var_dump(file_put_contents('/readonly/file.txt', 'x'));
PHP
Output:
bool(false)

Fails when file is not writable.

PHP file_put_contents() Common mistakes

Overwriting files unintentionally

Default mode overwrites the file.

Incorrect
file_put_contents('log.txt', 'entry');
Correct
file_put_contents('log.txt', 'entry', FILE_APPEND);

Use FILE_APPEND to preserve content.

PHP file_put_contents() Frequently Asked Questions

What does file_put_contents() do?

Writes data to a file.

Does it overwrite file?

Yes, unless FILE_APPEND is used.

Return value?

Number of bytes written.

Use case?

Saving data to files.

Can create files?

Yes.

Performance?

Good.

Supports streams?

Yes.

Common mistake?

Overwriting unintentionally.

Can append data?

Yes.

Handles binary data?

Yes.

Error handling?

Check return value.

Alternative?

fopen + fwrite.

PHP file_put_contents() Related PHP Functions