Command Line Interface (CLI)

PHP provides support for a Command Line Interface mode, also called CLI, which allows developers to execute PHP scripts directly from the terminal or command prompt without needing a web server. In this mode, commands are passed as a file or lines of text, and the PHP interpreter processes them sequentially. This feature is particularly useful for automation tasks, cron jobs, scripting, testing, or running PHP-based tools. Additionally, the CLI mode offers access to command-line arguments, making it possible to write interactive scripts or utilities that can process user input or parameters at runtime.

Documentation

See Also

• Detailed Guide on PHP Command Line (CLI) and Essential Commands for PHP Developers

Related

• Webserver
• Server Application Programming Interface (SAPI)
• Read Eval Print Loop (REPL)
• $argc
• $argv
• Common Gateway Interface (CGI)
• FastCGI
• Application
• Desktop Application
• Tool
• Terminal User Interface (TUI)
• Command
• pcntl_signal()

Related packages

• splitbrain/php-cli