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phpfile-lockingflock

Test if file is locked


In PHP, how can I test if a file has already been locked with flock? For example, if another running script has called the following:

$fp = fopen('thefile.txt', 'w');
flock($fp, LOCK_EX);

Solution

  • if (!flock($fp, LOCK_EX|LOCK_NB, $wouldblock)) {
        if ($wouldblock) {
            // another process holds the lock
        }
        else {
            // couldn't lock for another reason, e.g. no such file
        }
    }
    else {
        // lock obtained
    }
    

    As described in the docs, use LOCK_NB to make a non-blocking attempt to obtain the lock, and on failure check the $wouldblock argument to see if something else holds the lock.