Professional LAMP: Linux®, Apache, MySQL®, and PHP5 Web Development

8.1. What Is PEAR?

PEAR (PHP Extension and Repository) is designed to act as a home for wayward useful classes. As the name suggests, it is a repository of code packages, which may consist of one or more files, and which accomplish common tasks such as creating HTML forms, working with dates and images, or connecting to the database and running queries. Because these are functions that every coder will undoubtedly use from time to time, they make perfect candidates for PEAR packages.

Because there is a strict set of coding standards for developing and releasing a PEAR package, a coder can rest assured that the look and feel of one package will be consistent with the rest. As you become familiar with using them, you will begin to know what to look for and how the code is structured. PEAR packages are also known for their extensive commenting requirements and naming conventions, something that is sorely lacking in many open source programs, leaving you with the daunting task of trying to figure out someone else's logic.

All new packages must go through the PEPr (PEAR Proposal System) before being included in the PEAR distribution list. This four-step process ensures that each package is scrutinized for its accuracy, reliability and relevance. If you would like to learn more about PEPr, you can visit the site http://pear.php.net/pepr.