PHP version: 5.1.6: Cannot write to file

Question

I am using version 5.1.6 and am observing a strange issue. I cannot create and write to a file from the script whereas if I explicitly create a file and then run the script it writes data.

Am I missing something obvious in here?

The test code I am trying is:

$message = "Test";
$myFile = "testFile.txt";
if (file_exists($myFile)) {
  $fh = fopen($myFile, 'a');
  fwrite($fh, $message."\n");
} else {
  chmod("/path/to/dir/*", 0755); //updated code
  $fh = fopen($myFile, 'w')  or die("Cannot open file \"$myFile\"...\n");
  fwrite($fh, $message) ;
}
fclose($fh);

CONCLUSION: Thanks for the responses everybody. It is a permission issue. I changed the directory path and it works :)

It's a file and directory permission issue and not related to this ancient PHP version that should be updated! — Sven, Aug 08 '13 at 23:24
@GhilasBELHADJ : Tried to change the permissions but still facing the same issue (edited code above) — iDev, Aug 08 '13 at 23:31
@iDev There is nothing wrong with your code, far as I can tell. You have, as the others have said, a "path" issue and/or "permissions". And why are you using this `chmod("/path/to/dir/*", 0755);` with a star? You're trying to chmod "everything"? — Funk Forty Niner, Aug 08 '13 at 23:48
@iDev Just for testing purposes, try your code without `chmod("/path/to/dir/*", 0755);` — Funk Forty Niner, Aug 08 '13 at 23:56
@Fred - I tried without changing the permissions and it worked! — iDev, Aug 09 '13 at 00:01
@iDev Great, so shall I mark your question as being answered by entering it as an answer, or do you require further help? — Funk Forty Niner, Aug 09 '13 at 00:02
@iDev You're welcome. I submitted my answer where you can put a checkmark underneath the arrows. I'm glad it worked out, cheers. (*Peace*) — Funk Forty Niner, Aug 09 '13 at 00:12

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 08 '13 at 23:48

I had a similar problem and solved it by changing the owner of the folder to the apache user. This should give your php script needed permissions for making files and writing to the files in that folder. I guess you won't be able to chown the folder from php script, only through server access (ssh or ftp). At least, that was the path I had to go.

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 09 '13 at 00:11

Your code is fine. Only the line where chmod resides, is not required.

Commented out chmod("/path/to/dir/*", 0755); this will chmod all files within the set folder.

Consult the PHP manual on chmod at http://php.net/manual/en/function.chmod.php

$message = "Test";
$myFile = "testFile.txt";
if (file_exists($myFile)) {
  $fh = fopen($myFile, 'a');
  fwrite($fh, $message."\n");
} else {

//chmod("/path/to/dir/*", 0755);
  $fh = fopen($myFile, 'w')  or die("Cannot open file \"$myFile\"...\n");
  fwrite($fh, $message) ;
}
fclose($fh);

PHP version: 5.1.6: Cannot write to file

2 Answers2