Not able to delete files from filesystem using php

Question

I am not able to delete the files from a folder using php whenever the user clicks yes to delete form submission. The files are still present in the folder even after using unlink() function:

<form method='post'>
<input type='submit' name='del' value='Yes'>
</form>
<?php
if(isset($_POST['del']))
    {

     $filename=$userid.".jpg";
     unlink('upload-cover/uploads/$userid/$filename');
     echo "Your image has been deleted successfully!!";
    }

?>

Answer 1

You have to have the string passed to the unlink function in double-quotes. This is because PHP will interpret strings in single-quotes literally, therefore not including your variables. Try this:

unlink("upload-cover/uploads/$userid/$filename");

Or:

unlink("upload-cover/uploads/".$userid."/".$filename);

I think the second option is a lot more readable, and prevents errors like the one you encountered!

This is a great answer to understand PHP strings and paths: What is the difference between single-quoted and double-quoted strings in PHP?

Answer 2

If you use single quotes, the file name genrated will be incorrect.

Also, make sure you have right permissions

Try with

 unlink("upload-cover/uploads/$userid/$filename");

Answer 3

By looking into your code it seems that it is variable look up problem

variable inside single quotes are string to the php engine

unlink('upload-cover/uploads/$userid/$filename');

where as variable inside double quotes are variable to the php engine

unlink("upload-cover/uploads/$userid/$filename");