Alex Rivera | Logout

PHP exec() vs system() vs passthru()

Asked 2009-04-09T04:44:15.600
353

What are the differences?

Is there a specific situation or reason for each function? If yes, can you give some examples of those situations?

PHP.net says that they are used to execute external programs. see reference From the examples I see, I don't see any obvious difference.

If I were to simply run a script (bash or python), which function do you recommend me to use?

php command exec
Edit
Report

1 Answer

10

If you're running your PHP script from the command-line, passthru() has one large benefit. It will let you execute scripts/programs such as vim, dialog, etc, letting those programs handle control and returning to your script only when they are done.

If you use system() or exec() to execute those scripts/programs, it simply won't work.

Gotcha: For some reason, you can't execute less with passthru() in PHP.

answered 2009-04-09T17:13:17.737

Your Answer