Best Methods and Tips for Storing Editable Configuration Data in PHP

M66 2025-07-13

Best Methods for Storing Editable Configuration Data in PHP

When working with configuration data in PHP, you may need a method that is both quick for storing and easy to edit. Compared to JSON, PHP's serialize function is more suitable for storing complex PHP variables. However, if your goal is to create an easily editable configuration file, the combination of var_export and include is undoubtedly the best choice.

This method is not only simple and easy to use, but it also ensures that your configuration data remains readable and maintainable. Let's take a look at how to implement this method.

Configuration File Example: config.php

return array(
   'var_1'=> 'value_1',
   'var_2'=> 'value_2',
);

How to Read and Update the Configuration File: test.php

$config = include 'config.php';
$config['var_2']= 'value_3';
file_put_contents('config.php', '<?php return ' . var_export($config, true) . ';');

With the above code, the var_2 variable in the configuration file is updated to the new value 'value_3', and we use file_put_contents to write the updated configuration back to the file.

Another Way to Update the Configuration File

$config = include 'config.php';
$config['var_2']= 'value_3';
file_put_contents('config.php', '$config = ' . var_export($config));

This method works as well, but the format in which the data is written back will be slightly different. Regardless of which approach you choose, the resulting config.php file will contain the updated configuration data.

Updated config.php File Content

return array(
   'var_1'=> 'value_1',
   'var_2'=> 'value_3',
);

In conclusion, using var_export and include in combination with file_put_contents is an efficient and maintainable method for storing and updating PHP configuration data. This approach is especially suitable for applications that require frequent configuration file modifications.