Open an existing file

saathujaya

Can open an existing file(pdf or something) using PHP? I tried by using fopen(),fwrite(), etc functions.I want to view that file.ie if i click a link that want to open that file.I'm new to PHP.So i don't know is it possible or not.If it is possible please help me!!!!!!!!!!

Weedpacket

First, take a deep breath and calm down. Then you won't spasm when you hit the ! key.

Second, it is perfectly possible and there are at least three different ways of doing it: using fopen() and fread() (but not fwrite()) is one of them.

saathujaya

Thanks a lot for your relaxing words.I tried the following code.
<?php
$filename = "/usr/local/something.txt";
$handle = fopen($filename, "r");
$contents = fread($handle, filesize($filename));
fclose($handle);
?>

But i couldn't get any output.Is there any errors in this codings?

Weedpacket

Looks fine - no error messages about the file not being found or not having permissions or anything?

What do you do with $contents after this?

Rodney_H_

Use echo or print function to show $contents on page:

<?php
$filename = "/usr/local/something.txt";
$handle = fopen($filename, "r");
$contents = fread($handle, filesize($filename));
echo  $contents; // use an echo statement here
fclose($handle);
?>

saathujaya

what a surprise its working.But it works only for .txt extension.How can i extend for pdf file?