For massive files (like ISOs or high-res videos), using readfile() can lead to memory exhaustion. Instead, you should read and output the file in small (e.g., 1MB–8MB) to keep memory usage low.
Force file download with php using header() - Stack Overflow php send file to browser download
Sending a file from your server to a user's browser is a core task in web development. While modern browsers often try to display files like PDFs or images directly, you can use PHP to force a "Save As" dialogue, protect file paths, or even manage large downloads efficiently. 1. Basic PHP File Download Script For massive files (like ISOs or high-res videos),
The most straightforward way to send a file is using the readfile() function alongside specific HTTP headers. This method is ideal for smaller files that can be loaded into memory quickly. While modern browsers often try to display files
Use code with caution. 2. Handling Large Files with Chunking