Alternative of cURL in PHP

 Alternative of cURL in PHP

If you want to make an HTTPS request without using cURL in PHP, you can use alternative methods like file_get_contents(), stream_context_create(), or Guzzle. Here are different ways to do it:

1️⃣ Using file_get_contents() with Stream Context

This is the simplest alternative to cURL.

<?php
$url = ""; // Replace with your actual API URL

$options = [
    "http" => [
        "method"  => "GET", // Change to "POST" if needed
        "header"  => "User-Agent: PHP\r\n" .
                     "Accept: application/json\r\n"
    ],
    "ssl" => [
        "verify_peer" => true,
        "verify_peer_name" => true,
    ]
];

$context = stream_context_create($options);
$response = file_get_contents($url, false, $context);

if ($response === false) {
    die("Error fetching data");
}

echo $response;
?>

✅ Pros: Simple, built-in
 ❌ Cons: Limited error handling, no advanced request configurations

2️⃣ Using stream_context_create() for a POST Request

If you need to send data via POST, modify the method and include a content field.

<?php
$url = ""; // Replace with your API

$data = http_build_query([
    "param1" => "value1",
    "param2" => "value2"
]);

$options = [
    "http" => [
        "method"  => "POST",
        "header"  => "Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded\r\n" .
                     "User-Agent: PHP\r\n",
        "content" => $data
    ],
    "ssl" => [
        "verify_peer" => true,
        "verify_peer_name" => true,
    ]
];

$context = stream_context_create($options);
$response = file_get_contents($url, false, $context);

if ($response === false) {
    die("Error in request");
}

echo $response;
?>

✅ Pros: Supports GET & POST, more control than file_get_contents()
 ❌ Cons: Still lacks detailed error handling

3️⃣ Using Guzzle (Recommended for Complex Requests)

Guzzle is a powerful PHP HTTP client that handles requests efficiently.

Install Guzzle via Compose

composer require guzzlehttp/guzzle

PHP Code Using Guzzle

<?php
require 'vendor/autoload.php';

use GuzzleHttp\Client;

$client = new Client();

$response = $client->request('GET', 'https://pardarsy.railnet.gov.in/api-endpoint', [
    'headers' => [
        'User-Agent' => 'PHP-Guzzle',
        'Accept' => 'application/json'
    ]
]);

echo $response->getBody();
?>

✅ Pros: Best for advanced requests (headers, authentication, JSON support)
 ❌ Cons: Requires Composer & Guzzle package installation

Which One Should You Use?

MethodBest ForProsConsfile_get_contents()Simple requestsEasy to useLimited error handlingstream_context_create()Simple GET/POSTNo extra setupHarder debuggingGuzzle (Recommended)Advanced requests (APIs, JSON, Auth)Powerful, error handlingRequires Composer

Let me know if you need further help! 🚀