max_input_time= -1 What is the exact meaning of -1?

Question

I couldn't find this in the docs, but does:

max_input_time = -1

means there is no limit?

I find it odd that max_execution_time = 0 is forever.

But what does -1 mean for max_input_time ?

Answer 1

A quick look into the php.ini file will show you:

; Maximum amount of time each script may spend parsing request data. It's a good
; idea to limit this time on productions servers in order to eliminate unexpectedly
; long running scripts.
; Note: This directive is hardcoded to -1 for the CLI SAPI
; Default Value: -1 (Unlimited)
; Development Value: 60 (60 seconds)
; Production Value: 60 (60 seconds)
; http://php.net/max-input-time
max_input_time=60

So as you already guessed correct:

; Default Value: -1 (Unlimited)
               //^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

You can see the php.ini files for production and development on github:

• php.ini file for production
• php.ini file for development