How to Execute PHP Codes in Linux through Command Line

Steps to Use and Execute PHP Codes in Linux Command Line

PHP is designed for web development which is used as a general-purpose programming language. It is a server side scripting language. We can execute a PHP in a Linux terminal without using a web browser.


Install PHP command Line Interpreter

After the installation of PHP and Apache2, install PHP command Line Interpreter

On Debian Based Systems

# apt-get install php5-cli

On CentOS Based systems

[root@linuxhelp ~]# yum install php-cli
Loaded plugins: auto-update-debuginfo, fastestmirror, refresh-packagekit, : security
Setting up Install Process
Determining fastest mirrors
epel/metalink                                            | 4.4 kB     00:00     
epel-debuginfo/metalink                                  | 4.6 kB     00:00     
epel-source/metalink                                     | 4.4 kB     00:00     
 * base: centos.excellmedia.net
.
.
.
Running rpm_check_debug
Running Transaction Test
Transaction Test Succeeded
Running Transaction
Installing : php-cli-5.3.3-46.el6_7.1.x86_64                              1/1
Verifying  : php-cli-5.3.3-46.el6_7.1.x86_64                              1/1

Installed:
php-cli.x86_64 0:5.3.3-46.el6_7.1                                             

Complete!

Now the installation is completed successfully.


To create a simple PHP file

To check if php is working or not, create a sample PHP file.

[root@linuxhelp ~]#  vi /var/www/html/sample.php

To obtain the output, run the PHP file in the following location ' /var/www/html/sample.php' in the Linux Command Line.

[root@linuxhelp ~]#  php -f /var/www/html/sample.php
Welcome to php

' -f ' option is used to parse and execute the file.

2. To do some mathematics, run PHP in Interactive mode by using the option ' -a' .

[root@linuxhelp ~]#  php &ndash a
Interactive shell
Php  >   echo   7*8   
56
 Php  >   echo   6+4   
10
Php  >   echo   15-2   
13
Php  >   echo   14/2   
7
Php  >   echo   3*5+5-2   
18
Php  >   exit

To close this PHP interactive mode press ' exit' or enter ' ctrl+c' .

4. It is simple to run a PHP script, if we use shell script. Create a PHP sample script in the current working directory.

[root@linuxhelp ~]# cat addition.php

[root@linuxhelp ~]#  php -f addition.php
15

5. By using the interactive shell, we can create simple functions by our self. Step by step instruction is given below.


To start PHP interactive mode

[root@linuxhelp ~]# php&ndash a
Interactive shell
Php>  $a=7  
Php>  $b=8  
Php>  $c=$a+$b  
Php> echo “ $c
”   
15
echo>  exit

Once the interactive shell is exit, the user defined functions will not save in history from shell session to shell session.

FAQ
Q
How to install and Configure Server Explorer on Cpanel?
A
Refer the following link to know configure server explorer on cpanel

https://www.linuxhelp.com/how-to-install-config-server-explorer-on-whm/
Q
How you prompted to php console?
A
"php -a" is used for it
Q
Please proceed with the work !
A
Thank you for your comment !!
Q
What version of php you have used in your post?
A
Default version 5.3.10 that comes with the installation
Q
Where the sample script created why particularly in the provided path "var/www/html/"
A
Here I wanted to show my output in web interface so I have created a sample php code under Apache webserver document root