Phar
Phar (PHP Archive) is a packaging format and tool for distributing PHP applications and libraries as single executable archive files. It bundles PHP code, assets, and metadata into a .phar file that can be executed directly by the PHP interpreter, similar to Java's JAR files. This simplifies deployment and distribution by reducing multiple files into one self-contained unit.
Developers should use Phar when they need to distribute PHP applications as standalone packages, especially for command-line tools, libraries, or web applications that require easy installation. It's particularly useful for creating portable PHP scripts that can be run without complex setup, such as Composer (which uses Phar for its installer) or deployment tools like PHPUnit. Phar also supports compression and digital signatures for security and efficiency.