PEAR: a php programer’s delight.
PEAR stands for Php Extension and Application Repository. PEAR is a framework and distribution system for reusable php components. These components are distributed in packages, each developed by a separate development team, and are distributed in a zipped format and can be installed on your website or local machine. Packages range from MDB2, a database abstraction layer, to HTML_Template_Flexy, an HTML templating system. Have a look at the packages and you are sure to find something that will not only be useful but will also save you a lot of time.
The goals of PEAR are not only to serve as a repository for php extensions and library code but also to define standards for developers who write the portable and re-usable code.
The code can be re-used in many applications, the majority being in web applications - a great time saver for webmasters who don’t have to waste time re-inventing the wheel. Instead they can rely on tried and tested code developed by experienced php developers who contribute to PEAR.
Perhaps the only problem with PEAR is the lack of documentation. Each package is documented but may be incomplete and rather un-user-friendly.
PEAR is definately worth looking into. You will find tried and tested php code that you will use over and over again, saving you a great deal of frustration and time. You will find PEAR here.
