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PHP Directory opendir() Function (With Examples)

In this tutorial, we will learn about the PHP opendir() function with its usage, syntax, parameters, return value, and examples. By IncludeHelp Last updated : December 31, 2023

PHP opendir() function

The full form of opendir is "Open Directory", the function opendir() is used to open a directory.

Syntax

The syntax of the opendir() function:

opendir(path,context);

Parameters

The parameters of the opendir() function:

path – It is the path (name) to the directory to be opened.
context – It is an optional parameter; it defines the context (a set of the options that can modify the behavior of the stream) of the directory handle.

Return Value

If function execution is success – it returns the directory handle resource if function execution is failed – it returns the "FALSE".

PHP opendir() Function Example

PHP code to open a directory, read its files, and close it.

<?php

$path = "/home";

//checking whether $path is a directory or not
//then, opening the directory and reading its files
if (is_dir($path)) {
    if ($dh = opendir($path)) {
        while (($file = readdir($dh)) !== false) {
            echo "File:" . $file . "<br/>";
        }
        //closing the directory
        closedir($dh);
    }
}
?>

Output

The output of the above example is:

File:..
File:main.php
File:.

Reference: PHP opendir() function

To understand the above example, you should have the basic knowledge of the following PHP topics:

PHP scandir() Function

PHP closedir() Function