What role do headers play in controlling file downloads in PHP, and how should they be utilized effectively?

Headers play a crucial role in controlling file downloads in PHP by specifying the content type and disposition of the file being sent to the client. To effectively utilize headers for file downloads, set the appropriate content type (e.g., application/octet-stream for generic file downloads) and specify the content disposition as attachment to prompt the browser to download the file instead of displaying it. 

<?php
$file = 'example.pdf';
header('Content-Type: application/octet-stream');
header('Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="' . $file . '"');
readfile($file);
exit;
?>

Keywords

HTTP headers file downloads content-disposition PHP MIME types

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