PEAR is short for "PHP Extension and Application Repository" and is pronounced just like the fruit. The purpose of PEAR is to provide:

* A structured library of open-source code for PHP users
* A system for code distribution and package maintenance
* A standard style for code written in PHP, specified here
* The PHP Extension Community Library (PECL), see more below
* A web site, mailing lists and download mirrors to support the PHP/PEAR community

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With,
J. Jeyaseelan
Everything Possible