How to get the php.ini file path in PHP?

Configuring PHP settings is a crucial aspect of web development, ensuring optimal performance and security for your applications. The php.ini file serves as the central configuration file for PHP, containing directives that control various aspects of PHP's behavior. However, locating the php.ini file programmatically within a PHP script can be a common requirement, particularly in scenarios where you need to verify settings or make runtime adjustments. In this guide, we'll explore different methods to obtain the path to the php.ini file using PHP, empowering you to streamline your development process and troubleshoot configuration issues effectively.

1. Using php_ini_loaded_file() Function

Introduced in PHP 5.2.4, the php_ini_loaded_file() function retrieves the path to the loaded php.ini file. This method is straightforward and reliable, as it directly queries the PHP runtime environment for the php.ini file path.

$iniFilePath = php_ini_loaded_file();
echo "Path to php.ini: " . $iniFilePath;

2. Using php_ini_scanned_files() Function

For PHP configurations where the php.ini file is dynamically loaded or includes additional configuration files via the include_path directive, the php_ini_scanned_files() the function can provide valuable insights. This function returns a comma-separated list of php.ini files parsed from the php.ini file or additional configuration files.

$iniFilePaths = explode(',', php_ini_scanned_files());
foreach ($iniFilePaths as $filePath) {
    echo "Path to php.ini: " . trim($filePath);
}

Hope it will help you.