How do I properly split a PATH variable in PHP?

Question

I want to split

$path = getenv('PATH');

into its components. How do I determine the separator char in an os-dependent fashion?

Solution 1

You can use the PATH_SEPARATOR constant, then the DIRECTORY_SEPARATOR constant to split the path if needed. See Directory Predefined Constants

Solution 2

Use the PATH_SEPARATOR constant.

Solution 3

I know this works for the include_path - not sure about getenv('PATH'):

$paths = split(PATH_SEPARATOR, getenv('PATH'));

Comments

[RaYell]

You cannot use DIRECTORY_SEPARATOR for that. You must use PATH_SEPARATOR. First one is the character that separates folders from each other, path separator separates differents paths i.e. defined in PATH environmental variable.

[Matthew Scharley]

include_path is a valid PATH style string for whatever system you are on: the same split techniques that work for one will work for the other.

[c089]

I think he means the separator for the Entries in the PATH environment variable (e.g. ":" on *nix), not the separator inside the paths.

[mauris]

Note that this post was written in 2009. split() has been deprecated according to the PHP manual.

[Pacerier]

@Greg, ? Would you at least clean up the mistake or delete the answer so that others below can get rightful attention? Your answer with 18 upvotes is wrong.