PHP CLI – Restrict to CLI Only

Sometimes it’s easier to run a PHP script than to run a UNIX bash/shell script, this code below will require the use of PHP CLI and prevent it from running in a web browser.

Typically a good idea to place the PHP file out of the web directory as well.

This code will not really do much but you can get the idea of how it works.

<?php
 
// Restrict access to this file - start
if (php_sapi_name() != 'cli'){
    exit;
}
// Restrict access to this file - stop
 
// Require CLI Parameter - Start
// Require a username to get passed via CLI, if no username is received we will display an error at the end
if (isset($argv[1]) && ('' != trim($argv[1])))
{
    $username = $argv[1];
    echo $username;
}
else
{
    echo "No Parameter sent, exiting now";
    exit;
}
?>