A “safe mode” in general is a term used to refer to software
that has all but the most critical components disabled in order
to increase stability. Often times when there is a stability or
security issue, running in safe mode will allow the user to
still access the system and fix any problems. In PHP, safe mode
is primarily a security option that prevents would-be attackers
from using PHP scripts to execute operating system commands.
Theoretically safe mode is supposed to be a method for increased
web application security. It is intended to be run in shared
hosting environments and is not needed on a VPS or dedicated
server. In PHP 6, safe mode will be removed. The downside of PHP
Safe Mode is that certain scripts and web applications do not
function properly with it enabled. Server administrators can
disable it and take other security measures to harden their Web
applications, and individual users can also work around it,
although they should check with their web host first to make
sure they do not compromis