When to Choose: cURL or file_get_contents for REST API Access?

cURL vs file_get_contents for REST API Access

When accessing a REST API, two commonly used PHP methods are file_get_contents() and cURL. Despite producing similar results, they exhibit distinct characteristics.

file_get_contents() is a straightforward method that sends a simple GET request. It is suitable for basic scenarios where customization of HTTP parameters is unnecessary.

On the other hand, cURL (combined with fopen() with a stream context or setopt) provides a versatile toolkit for accessing REST APIs. It allows for advanced control over parameters such as:

• HTTP request method (GET, POST, etc.)
• Header manipulation
• Timeouts
• Cookiejar handling
• Redirects

Think of file_get_contents() as a basic screwdriver, suitable for simple tasks. cURL and its companions are more akin to fully equipped power drills, offering a comprehensive range of options for demanding REST API interactions.

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