Writing files (fwrite, file_put_contents) in PHP - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the fwrite function do in PHP?

The fwrite function writes data to an open file pointer. You must open the file first with fopen, then use fwrite to write content to it.

beginner

How does file_put_contents simplify writing files compared to fwrite?

file_put_contents writes a string directly to a file without needing to open or close the file manually. It is a shortcut for simple file writing tasks.

beginner

What must you do before using fwrite to write to a file?

You must open the file using fopen with the correct mode (like 'w' for write). After writing, you should close the file with fclose.

intermediate

What happens if you use file_put_contents on a file that already exists?

By default, file_put_contents will overwrite the existing file content. You can append instead by passing the FILE_APPEND flag.

beginner

Write a simple PHP code snippet using fwrite to write 'Hello' to a file named 'greet.txt'.

<?php
$fp = fopen('greet.txt', 'w');
fwrite($fp, 'Hello');
fclose($fp);
?>

Which PHP function writes data directly to a file without manually opening it?

A fclose

B fopen

C fwrite

D file_put_contents

file_put_contents writes data directly to a file, handling opening and closing internally.

What mode should you use with fopen to write and overwrite a file?

A 'r'

B 'a'

C 'w'

D 'x'

The 'w' mode opens the file for writing and truncates it to zero length, overwriting existing content.

What does fclose do in file handling?

A Closes an open file pointer

B Writes data to a file

C Reads data from a file

D Deletes a file

fclose closes the file pointer opened by fopen, freeing system resources.

How do you append data to a file using file_put_contents?

A Use the FILE_APPEND flag

B Use the 'w' mode

C Use the 'r' mode

D Use the 'x' mode

Passing the FILE_APPEND flag tells file_put_contents to add data to the end of the file instead of overwriting.

Which of these is the correct order to write to a file using fwrite?

A fwrite, fopen, fclose

B fopen, fwrite, fclose

C fclose, fwrite, fopen

D fopen, fclose, fwrite

You must open the file first, then write, then close it.

Explain how to write text to a file in PHP using fwrite. Include the steps and functions involved.

Think about opening the file, writing, then closing it.

Describe the difference between fwrite and file_put_contents when writing files in PHP.

One needs more steps, the other is simpler for quick writes.