root@generate-random:~/passphrases/php$ _

Generate Passphrases in PHP Using Diceware

Complete code tutorial with examples and best practices

PHP

[ Code Example - Quick Summary ]

Language: PHP

What: Generate cryptographically secure, memorable passphrases in PHP using the Diceware method. Passphrases use random dictionary words for better memorability than complex passwords while maintaining high entropy.

Try it: Use our interactive Passphrases generator or integrate this code into your PHP application.

Generate cryptographically secure, memorable passphrases in PHP using the Diceware method. Passphrases use random dictionary words for better memorability than complex passwords while maintaining high entropy. Looking for other languages? Check our code examples in JavaScript , Python , Java , C# , C++ , Ruby and Go or use our interactive web generator.

PHP Code Example

<?php
// Diceware-style passphrase generation
function generatePassphrase(int $wordCount = 6): string {
    // EFF's improved wordlist (7776 words)
    $wordlist = ["ability", "able", "about", "above", "accept", /* ... 7771 more words */];

    $words = [];
    for ($i = 0; $i < $wordCount; $i++) {
        $index = random_int(0, count($wordlist) - 1);
        $words[] = $wordlist[$index];
    }

    return implode('-', $words);
}

// Generate 6-word passphrase (NIST recommended)
$passphrase = generatePassphrase(6);
echo $passphrase;
// Example: "ability-country-expand-golden-invent-rocket"

// Calculate entropy: log2(7776^6) ≈ 77.5 bits
// Stronger than most 12-character passwords

[EXPLANATION]

This implementation follows the Diceware method using cryptographically secure random selection. Each word is chosen from a wordlist of 7,776 words (6^5, representing 5 dice rolls). The entropy calculation shows that a 6-word passphrase provides approximately 77.5 bits of entropy, exceeding the security of most complex passwords while being significantly easier to remember and type.

Expected Output

ability-country-expand-golden-invent-rocket
triumph-window-justice-mountain-purple-crystal
ocean-thunder-freedom-cascade-brilliant-cosmos

Common Use Cases

Master passwords for password managers (use 7-8 words)
Encryption passphrases for sensitive data
WiFi network passwords (easy to share verbally)
User-facing authentication where memorability matters
Disk encryption passphrases (BitLocker, LUKS, FileVault)

Important Notes

Use EFF's improved wordlist (7,776 words) for maximum security
6 words = ~77.5 bits entropy (strong), 7 words = ~90 bits (very strong)
Separators like hyphens improve readability without reducing security
random_int() provides cryptographic quality randomness
Consider adding a random number/symbol for systems requiring it

Try Our Interactive Generator

Don't want to write code? Use our free web-based Passphrases generator with instant results.

TRY PASSPHRASES GENERATOR →

Other Programming Languages

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GO $ view --lang=go

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