File Deletion operation in PHP

Question 1

Definition of File Deletion in PHP
What is file deletion in PHP?

Answer 1

File deletion in PHP is performed using the unlink() function, which removes a specified file from the filesystem.

Question 2

Syntax of unlink()
What is the syntax of the unlink() function in PHP?

Answer 2

unlink(file, context);

Question 3

Parameters of unlink()
What are the parameters of the unlink() function?

Answer 3

file (Required): Specifies the file to delete with its path.
context (Optional): Defines the meaning of the file handle

Question 4

Example of File Deletion
Provide an example of using unlink() to delete a file in PHP.

<?php
// Create a sample file
$samplefile = fopen(“file.txt”, “w”);
fwrite($samplefile, “Hello Friends!”);
fclose($samplefile);

Answer 4

// Delete the file
if (unlink(“file.txt”)) {
echo “File deleted successfully.”;
} else {
echo “Error deleting the file.”;
}
?>

Question 5

Return Value of unlink()
What does the unlink() function return?

Answer 5

Returns TRUE if the file was successfully deleted.
Returns FALSE if the file could not be deleted (e.g., file does not exist or insufficient permissions).

Question 6

Important Notes on unlink()
What are some important notes regarding the unlink() function?

Answer 6

Permanent Deletion:unlink() permanently deletes the file; it does not move it to the Recycle Bin.
File Permissions: Ensure the script has permission to delete the file.
PHP Version: Available in PHP version 4.0 and higher.