How does PHP read/write/execute?

Does PHP use the permissions set on the user who is currently logged in to the server and run under those permission? Or does it create a temporary user on the system? Or does it use the "Everyone" group? I mean if I set a file that I nor anyone else has permission to read/write/or execute, will PHP be locked out from that file? Who's permissions would have to be set on a file for PHP to read/write to the file?

you chmod it, depends on the function. but yea 777 is usually fine.

Yeah, I was more curious as to which user/group the PHP processes fall under. 777 gives read/read/execute to everyone, but I'd like to know which specific group/user PHP uses when executing a script that effects a file.

chmod [options] mode[,mode] file1 [file2 ...]

7 full
6 read and write
5 read and execute
4 read only
3 write and execute
2 write only
1 execute only
0 none

Then there is Global rights/user rights and admin rights one digit each. (Just making a note for others)

r read read a file or list a directory's contents
w write write to a file or directory
x execute execute a file or recurse a directory tree
X special execute
s setuid/gid
t sticky

So php would need a few of these functions to be able to work. you would need at least +rx to run i think.

655 is usually safe, but then again i have never really had permission issues with php unless installing pre made software like SMF. i think i am going to do some research about it