How to Install a PEAR Module

What is PEAR?

PHP is a language many websites run on. PEAR is a library of ready-made PHP code. Think of it as a toolbox. Instead of writing everything yourself, you can add a tool from the box. Each tool is called a module or package. Examples are Mail and Net_SMTP.

Method 1: cPanel

cPanel is your hosting control panel. Many accounts have a PEAR tool in it.

1. Log in to cPanel. Your welcome email has the details. You can also reach it from the Services menu of your client area.
2. Look in the Software section.
3. Click PHP PEAR Packages. If you do not see it, it may not be on your plan. Ask support.
4. Use the search box to find your module, for example Mail.
5. Click Install next to the module.
6. Wait for the success message.

Method 2: command line

This works if you have SSH access. SSH is a safe way to type commands on a remote computer. On a VPS or dedicated server, you also need root access.

1. Connect to your server with SSH.
2. Check that PEAR is installed.

   pear version

   This shows the PEAR version.
3. Install your module.

   pear install Mail

   This downloads and installs the Mail module.
4. If it needs other modules, add the dependency flag.

   pear install --alldeps Mail

   This also installs anything the module needs.
5. List what is installed.

   pear list

   This shows all installed modules.

Use the module in your code

Add a line like the one below to your PHP file.

require_once 'Mail.php';

This loads the Mail module so your code can use it.

Quick recap

• PEAR is a toolbox of PHP code.
• In cPanel, use PHP PEAR Packages.
• With SSH, run pear install.
• Load the module with require_once.