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I can see that GD library is for images. But I can't see differences between PECL and PEAR. Both have authentication. What are the main differences between two? Why don't they combine them?

+12  A: 

PECL stands for PHP Extension Community Library, it has extensions written in C, that can be loaded into PHP to provide additional functionality. You need to have administrator rights, a C compiler and associated toolchain to install those extensions.

PEAR is PHP Extension and Application Repository, it has libraries and code written IN php. Those you can simply download, install and include in your code.

So, yes they are similar, but yet so different :)

Anti Veeranna
Very clear answer. I would add that PEAR is really two things: It's a repository of libraries, but it's also a distribution channel/packaging system. Originally, the packaging system just distributed the single PEAR repository, but today, the distribution channel can be used by any third party library.
troelskn
A: 

PEAR is also a coding standard ;-) php_codesniffer (install via $pear install php_codesniffer ) is a tool that will scan your code and hilight where it deviates from that or any other supported coding standard.

kguest