How do I convert a PDF to text so I can parse that text with PHP?

I have PDFs that are mostly simply formatted text. I would like to parse the text with PHP. I realize that the PDF is binary so I need a utility or library to convert it to text.

Any recommendations?

Can you parse data from a PDF?

A PDF Parser (also sometimes called PDF scraper) is a software that can be used to extract data from PDF documents. PDF Parsers can come in form of libraries for developers or as standalone software products for end-users. PDF Parsers are used mainly to extract data from a batch of PDF files.

Can PHP read a PDF file?

PHP passes the PDF files to read it on the browser.

Third party software can dump the text contents of a PDF file, for example: