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PEAR

Free#69 of 92 in Package Managers

PEAR: An open-source PHP package manager focused on reusable components and legacy distribution workflows. Ranked #69 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for legacy PHP package distribution.

5.3/10Editor score

Visit PEAR

PEAR5.3 Visit PEAR

At a glance

Editor score
5.3 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Legacy PHP package distribution
Paid from
Free
Founded
1999
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Installs packages and resolves required and optional dependencies.
- Supports PEAR-compatible channels, PECL extensions, and offline installation.
- Creates and distributes package archives using package.xml metadata.
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide verified lockfiles for dependency reproducibility.
- Modern workflow features are narrower than newer package managers.
- Package management depends on PEAR-compatible metadata and channels.

Our verdict on PEAR

PEAR is an open-source framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. Its PEAR Installer handles package installation, upgrades, dependency handling, installed-package registries, and package channels from the command line. Developers can also create and distribute packages defined by package.xml metadata. Support for Windows, Linux, and macOS makes it relevant to PHP developers maintaining reusable libraries or applications across desktop and Unix-like environments. Its strongest fit is legacy PHP package distribution rather than a broad modern application workflow.

The package lifecycle is the main strength. PEAR can install required and optional dependencies, work with PEAR-compatible channels, and download packages for offline installation. It supports phar, tar, tgz, and zip package formats, while package.xml records versions, channels, files, and dependencies. PECL integration extends the installer to PHP extension packages, giving teams a related route for distributing both PHP components and extensions. These capabilities suit projects that need package creation, repository distribution, or installation on systems with limited connectivity.

PEAR is less suitable when verified lockfiles or newer dependency workflow features are central requirements. Dependency resolution and private registry authentication are supported, but the published feature set remains centered on PEAR's package metadata, channels, and installer model. Developers maintaining established PHP codebases should consider PEAR when compatibility with PEAR packages, PECL extensions, or offline distribution matters. Teams seeking a more modern workflow built around lockfile verification and broader tooling should choose an alternative package manager.

Your product? Our editors can test PEAR in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

PEAR pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on pear.php.net

PEAR fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Package formats	phar, tar, tgz, zip
Supported platforms	Windows, Unix/Linux/BSD, macOS
Dependency resolution	Yes
Lockfile support	Not verified
Workspace support	Not verified
Private registry auth	Yes
Offline installation	Yes
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, Linux, macOS
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	2 integrations: PECL, PEAR-compatible channels
Pricing	Open source
Website	pear.php.net
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

PEAR integrations

PEAR lists 2 integrations on its own site.

PECL
PEAR-compatible channels

Alternatives to PEAR

See all PEAR alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

PEAR is listed in our Package Managers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update