Custom PHP settings per directory with .user.ini files

On ruachost.com, you can override PHP configuration settings on a per‑directory basis using .user.ini files. This is useful when different applications in your account require different PHP settings.

Why Use .user.ini Files?

• Apply custom PHP directives without changing global server settings.

• Configure settings for specific applications or directories.

• Useful for managing multiple apps with different requirements (e.g., CMS vs. custom scripts).

How .user.ini Works

• A .user.ini file is similar to php.ini, but applies only to the directory where it is placed and its subdirectories.

• PHP reads .user.ini files every few minutes (default: 300 seconds).

• Directives inside .user.ini override global settings for that directory.

Steps to Create a .user.ini File

Step 1: Create the File

1. Log in via FTP, SFTP, or File Manager.

2. Navigate to the directory where you want custom settings.

3. Create a file named:

   .user.ini
   

Step 2: Add PHP Directives

Insert the settings you want to override. For example:

display_errors = On
memory_limit = 256M
upload_max_filesize = 20M

Step 3: Save and Upload

• Save the file in the target directory.

• The settings will apply to scripts in that directory and subdirectories.

Example Use Case

If you have two applications with different requirements:

• App A needs error reporting enabled.

• App B requires higher memory limits.

You can place separate .user.ini files in each application’s directory with the appropriate directives.