# Do you support phar (PHP Archive) files?

> Yes. You can run phar (PHP Archive) files on Ruachost hosting, such as composer.phar or other tools packaged as a single file.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/faq/guides/do-you-support-phar-php-archive-files/

**Yes.** You can use **phar (PHP Archive)** files on Ruachost hosting.

A phar file packs a whole PHP application or library into a single file, much like a `.jar` file in Java. Many PHP tools are shipped this way, such as `composer.phar` and `wp-cli.phar`.

## Running a phar file

Connect to your account with SSH and run the file with PHP:

```bash
php composer.phar --version
```

You can also include a phar file in your own scripts:

```php
<?php
require 'phar://mylibrary.phar/autoload.php';
```

> **Tip:**
Keep phar tools outside `public_html` where possible, so visitors can't download or run them from a browser.

## If it doesn't work

If you see an error about the phar extension, check it's switched on:

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open **Select PHP Version**.
3. Click **Extensions** and make sure **phar** is ticked.

## Related articles

- [Installing Composer](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/php/installing-composer/)
- [Changing PHP versions and settings using PHP Selector](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/software/changing-php-versions-and-settings-using-php-selector/)