File permissions and Ownership in Php
Hi all.
Everytime I write a script which involves the creation of files and/or directories I have the same problems: in my Linux server (a shared host) first I must manually set permissions correctly because doing it from the script doesn't produce any result; then, if I need to delete those files, can't do it manually and I must use the script itself.
Today, I had a new problem, because the files created by the script have permissions set to 0000 and I can't delete them nor manually (via an ftp client, I mean) nor via script!
So, please, iluustrate the best practices to manage permissions in order to avoid these problems: I'll be grateful for ever. :)
Cheers
Everytime I write a script which involves the creation of files and/or directories I have the same problems: in my Linux server (a shared host) first I must manually set permissions correctly because doing it from the script doesn't produce any result; then, if I need to delete those files, can't do it manually and I must use the script itself.
Today, I had a new problem, because the files created by the script have permissions set to 0000 and I can't delete them nor manually (via an ftp client, I mean) nor via script!
So, please, iluustrate the best practices to manage permissions in order to avoid these problems: I'll be grateful for ever. :)
Cheers
ASKER
Hi gr8gonzo and thanks for your reply.
I saw now that permissions are set to 0644, but don't ask me how this happened because I don't know. The created directory permissions are 2755: ?
But going on, I would like to know how can I get the user php uses. If I view directory properties using FireFTP, I see the owner is apache so I have to change it using chown command but which user name I have to pass to chown command?
Supposing my hosting provider is using mod_php, means this I have to speak with them to find a workaround? Or there is something I can do?
I saw now that permissions are set to 0644, but don't ask me how this happened because I don't know. The created directory permissions are 2755: ?
But going on, I would like to know how can I get the user php uses. If I view directory properties using FireFTP, I see the owner is apache so I have to change it using chown command but which user name I have to pass to chown command?
Supposing my hosting provider is using mod_php, means this I have to speak with them to find a workaround? Or there is something I can do?
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Well, using get_current_user() function I get my own username, 'delphico'. But the owner of files results to be 'apache'.
@DaveBaldwin: this could mean I have a personal home directory? I'll ask to my provider (but I can't do it now: it seems they have some problem with the server) and eventually I'll ask to install suphp
@gr8gonzo: since current user and owner are different I tried to use chown command but I get Warning: chown() [function.chown]: Operation not permitted
@DaveBaldwin: this could mean I have a personal home directory? I'll ask to my provider (but I can't do it now: it seems they have some problem with the server) and eventually I'll ask to install suphp
@gr8gonzo: since current user and owner are different I tried to use chown command but I get Warning: chown() [function.chown]: Operation not permitted
Yeah, shared hosts disable quite a few functions (for your own security from others on the same server). You can try to change the owner in FTP, or you can also just create a new directory, give it full permissions and then use PHP to create a subdirectory, and from there, it should be able to read/write files within that subdirectory (and you can use a file manager or FTP to move it into the correct location).
You may be able to just ask your host to set certain permissions, too.
You may be able to just ask your host to set certain permissions, too.
ASKER
Thanks guys. I'll use your input speaking with the provider.
Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2014.
Best wishes to you for a wonderful 2014.
2. If you set the owner (or group) of a directory to the same one that PHP uses, and you have write permissions for owner/group on that directory, then PHP will be able to create files in that directory.
There's no real other "secret" way to manage permissions, unfortunately. Almost all shared hosts use mod_php, which means you're stuck with running PHP as the user / group that Apache uses. It's just a matter of changing permissions to allow that user / group to write to a directory.