Summary

In this chapter, we learned about the split personality of PEAR as code repository at pear.php.net and as the PEAR installer. We investigated the predominant unzip-and-go method of distributing PHP software and compared its advantages and disadvantages to the PEAR installer's package-based method of distributing PHP software. After a quick look into the exciting new innovation of PEAR channels, we took a peek inside the basics of how the PEAR installer installs files from packages and how it knows where to install them. Finally, we learned the many ways to acquire the PEAR installer and even how to install PEAR remotely onto a web host that does not provide shell access.