Answer
file_get_contents() handles simple GET/POST. curl supports headers, auth, timeouts, redirects, and complex HTTP tasks. Preferred for APIs.
Quick Answer
file_get_contents() is simple - one line to fetch a URL. cURL is more powerful: supports custom headers, authentication, timeouts, POST data, SSL certificates, redirects, and connection reuse. Use file_get_contents() for quick simple requests. Use cURL (or Guzzle HTTP library which wraps it) for any real API integration that needs control over headers, auth, or error handling.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ