How Can I Efficiently Download Multiple Files as a Single ZIP Archive using PHP?

Efficient File Delivery: Downloading Multiple Files as a ZIP with PHP

The need to download multiple files as a single entity, typically as a ZIP file, is a common scenario faced by developers. PHP provides the means to address this task effectively with the ZipArchive class.

ZIP Archive Creation

1. Initialize a ZipArchive object: $zip = new ZipArchive;.
2. Open the freshly initialized archive for writing: $zip->open($zipname, ZipArchive::CREATE);.

3. Iterate through the files to be included in the ZIP archive:

   foreach ($files as $file) {
   $zip->addFile($file);
   }

4. Close the archive: $zip->close();.

ZIP File Streaming

To deliver the ZIP file to the client:

1. Set appropriate HTTP headers:

   header('Content-Type: application/zip');
   header('Content-disposition: attachment; filename='.$zipname);

2. Optionally, specify the content length:

   header('Content-Length: ' . filesize($zipname));

3. Stream the file: readfile($zipname);.

This approach enables rapid and organized download of multiple files, enhancing the efficiency of online content distribution.

The above is the detailed content of How Can I Efficiently Download Multiple Files as a Single ZIP Archive using PHP?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!