PEAR is a framework and distribution system for reusable PHP components. You can find help using PEAR packages in the online manual and the FAQ.

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PEAR offers a wide range of packages for both PHP 4 and 5.

These packages provide all sorts of common functionality, like Validation or interacting with a Database.

Some of the most popular packages include:

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The most user visible piece of software which makes up the PEAR framework is the command line tool.

For example, you can use the command line tool to install packages:

pear install -a MDB2

or upgrade existing packages

pear upgrade-all

This makes the installing of packages simpler for users & developers who administer their own servers.

PEAR is built around the concept of a 'channel'. Other websites can provide their own PEAR channels.

For instance, doing:

pear channel-discover pear.phpunit.de

and

pear install phpunit/phpunit

Will allow you to install PHPUnit, which is entirely independent of PEAR itself.

The PEAR community is made up of a diverse culture of developers. The main ways to interact are via the pear-dev mailing list and #pear on EFNet.