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# XXVI. DBM Functions [deprecated]

# Introduction

These functions allow you to store records stored in a dbm-style database. This type of database (supported by the Berkeley DB, GDBM, and some system libraries, as well as a built-in flatfile library) stores key/value pairs (as opposed to the full-blown records supported by relational databases).

> Note: However, dbm support is deprecated and you are encouraged to use the Database (dbm-style) abstraction layer functions instead.

# Requirements

To use this functions you have to compile PHP with support for an underlying database. See the list of supported Databases.

# Installation

In order to use these functions, you must compile PHP with dbm support by using the --with-db option. In addition you must ensure support for an underlying database or you can use some system libraries.

# Runtime Configuration

This extension has no configuration directives defined in `php.ini`.

# Resource Types

The function dbmopen() returns an database identifier which is used by the other dbm-functions.

# Predefined Constants

This extension has no constants defined.

# Examples

Example 1. DBM example
`<?php $dbm = dbmopen("lastseen", "w"); if (dbmexists($dbm, $userid)) { $last_seen = dbmfetch($dbm, $userid); } else { dbminsert($dbm, $userid, time()); } do_stuff(); dbmreplace($dbm, $userid, time()); dbmclose($dbm); ?>`

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