Resolving the file not found Error in FastCGI PHP with Nginx and Docker

A comprehensive guide to fix FastCGI PHP errors when using FETCH in Nginx and Docker. Let's explore the solution and improve your web application setup!
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: FastCGI PHP File not found only when FETCH is used

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Solving the file not found Error in FastCGI PHP with Nginx and Docker

Introduction to the Problem

This error can be frustrating, especially if your setup seems to be functioning well otherwise. In this post, we'll walk you through the solution to this problem by uncovering the misconfigurations that often lead to this FastCGI PHP error and how to resolve it effectively.

Understanding the Configuration

Your Current Nginx Configuration

Your original Nginx configuration includes an API section that is intended to handle requests directed at any URL starting with /api. Here's a simplified version of the relevant configuration:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Components

root: Specifies the document root for your API requests.

fastcgi_pass: Directs requests to the PHP-FPM server for processing.

Identifying the Misconfiguration

The main culprits behind the file not found error are incorrect path configurations or missing variable definitions within Nginx. The solution lies in setting the correct SCRIPT_FILENAME variable, which tells PHP what script to execute.

The Solution

Updated Configuration

By analyzing the issue more closely, the solution is to redefine the SCRIPT_FILENAME properly. Here’s the recommended adjustment:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of Changes

add_header Directive: This will help in debugging by allowing you to identify script execution flow without failing silent batches, especially when encountering errors.

Final Thoughts

Important Takeaways

Always verify the paths in your Nginx configuration to ensure they match where your files are located within the container.

Use headers to output debugging information while troubleshooting issues with Nginx and FastCGI.