Why Does `file_get_contents` Fail to Fetch External URLs in PHP, and How Can I Fix It?

External URL Barrier in PHP's file_get_contents: Delving into php.ini

In the realm of PHP, the file_get_contents function offers a convenient way to retrieve the content of a file or remote resource. However, certain configurations within the php.ini file can impede its functionality when accessing external URLs.

As evidenced in the user's dilemma, file_get_contents('http://example.com') can yield contrasting results depending on the server environment. While it operates as intended in some settings, it produces an empty result on a particular server, despite working locally when accessing internal files.

The key lies in identifying the specific php.ini configuration responsible for this discrepancy. One potential culprit is the allow_url_fopen directive, which governs the PHP script's ability to open external URLs. If this directive is set to 0, accessing external URLs via PHP functions like file_get_contents will be prohibited.

Moreover, the user's experience highlights the distinction between accessing local and external files. The allow_url_fopen directive does not affect PHP's interaction with local files. Yet, when it comes to remote resources, the function's behavior hinges on the presence or absence of the directive's value 1.

To circumvent the potential roadblocks posed by php.ini, alternative approaches can be adopted. One viable option is to utilize a function such as the one provided in the answer:

function get_content($URL) {
  $ch = curl_init();
  curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, 1);
  curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $URL);
  $data = curl_exec($ch);
  curl_close($ch);
  return $data;
}

This function emulates the behavior of file_get_contents but harnesses the capabilities of cURL to interact with external URLs. By employing cURL, you gain the flexibility to access remote resources even when php.ini configurations restrict the use of allow_url_fopen.

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