PHP Shell is a PHP-script wrapped shell software that provides users with a powerful, command-line interface for executing various commands and functions. It allows developers to manage and manipulate their environments with ease.
With PHP Shell, you can transfer your site as a compressed file, unpack it on the webserver, and carry out a variety of administration and maintenance tasks using commands like ps, free, du, and df – making it an indispensable tool for website administrators who want complete control over their web-hosted files.
Of course, it's worth noting that if PHP is running in Safe Mode on your server, you won't be able to use PHP Shell, as this restricts the commands that can be executed using the proc_open() call in PHP, as well as the files and directories that can be accessed using other calls in PHP. Consequently, PHP Shell simply won't work in such situations, as you won't be able to change directory or execute any commands.
There are some other limitations to be aware of too. For example, it can't execute graphical programs like Netscape or vi – instead, all programs have to be strictly command-line programs that terminate within 30 seconds to prevent PHP scripts from running in an infinite loop. Your ISP may set a different time limit, however.
Despite these limitations, PHP Shell is a reliable tool that provides all the normal shell functionality, such as pipes, output and input redirection. To use it, simply point your browser at PHP Shell, enter your password, and you'll be presented with a simple interface that lets you execute commands and view their output in a terminal window.
Overall, PHP Shell is a great tool that can help you easily manage and maintain your website. Plus, with the recent release, authentication is handled internally in PHP, and configuration settings were moved to an ini file, providing better error messages when PHP Safe Mode is enabled.
Version 2.1: N/A