directory - 'Overwrite' php.ini settings

Question

I have a folder, and for all php files in that folder (or even better, in that folder or any folders within it) I'd like to make some changes to the php settings. Can I just place a php.ini file in that folder with those settings I'd like to change?

If so, any reason why this wouldn't be working for me? It's my own server.

Thanks!

edit: I'd like to be able to use a local php.ini file, as I've been able to do with several webhosts. Is this a possibility?

Answer 1

It looks like you're wanting to use per-directory php.ini files which are available as of PHP 5.3. If it's your own server, I'd like to think you're happy to keep up with the latest stable releases (currently 5.3.2). Back to ini files, to quote that manual page:

Since PHP 5.3.0, PHP includes support for .htaccess-style INI files on a per-directory basis. These files are processed only by the CGI/FastCGI SAPI. This functionality obsoletes the PECL htscanner extension. If you are using Apache, use .htaccess files for the same effect.

In addition to the main php.ini file, PHP scans for INI files in each directory, starting with the directory of the requested PHP file, and working its way up to the current document root (as set in $_SERVER['DOCUMENT_ROOT']). Only INI settings with the modes PHP_INI_PERDIR and PHP_INI_USER will be recognized in .user.ini-style INI files.