PHP is_dir() Function

Quick summary: The PHP is_dir() function checks whether a path is a directory.

PHP is_dir() Syntax

is_dir(string $filename): bool
PHP

PHP is_dir() Basic examples

var_dump(is_dir('logs'));
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Output:
bool(true)

Returns true for directories.

PHP is_dir() Real-world usage

if (!is_dir('uploads')) {
    mkdir('uploads');
}
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Output:
bool(true)

Ensures a directory exists.

PHP is_dir() Edge cases

var_dump(is_dir('config.php'));
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Output:
bool(false)

Files are not directories.

PHP is_dir() Common mistakes

Assuming is_dir checks existence only

is_dir checks type, not just existence.

Incorrect
is_dir('path');
Correct
file_exists('path');

Use file_exists for general existence checks.

PHP is_dir() Frequently Asked Questions

What does is_dir() do?

Checks whether a path is a directory.

Difference from is_file()?

is_dir() checks directories only.

Use case?

Validating folder paths.

Returns false for files?

Yes.

Works with symlinks?

Yes.

Performance?

Fast.

Common mistake?

Using instead of file_exists().

Safe?

Yes.

Can fail?

Yes due to permissions.

Alternative?

file_exists().

Cache issues?

Yes, use clearstatcache().

Best practice?

Combine with is_readable().

PHP is_dir() Related PHP Functions