PHP has progressed substantially, with various high-quality frameworks such as Laravel, CodeIgniter, and Symfony that make web application development easier.
Frameworks use templates and utility functions to expedite development, improve security, decrease mistakes, and create cooperation. When selecting a PHP framework, think about its popularity, community support, philosophy, sustainability, and accessible resources.
Popular frameworks include Laravel for complicated applications, CodeIgniter for lightweight projects, and Symfony for large-scale corporate systems. Each framework offers distinct advantages, therefore choosing the best one is dependent on your project's specific requirements and goals.
PHP has been around for over 20 years, so web application frameworks like CodeIgniter and Symfony have seen a lot of change.
The landscape now is full of options that are high quality, such as Laravel. A rich ecosystem of PHP frameworks is available to make PHP code writing more accessible. Why would you use a PHP Framework? How do you choose the right one for you? This article will give you the details to choose the best PHP framework for your needs.
Why Use A PHP Framework?
Frameworks provide a structure that streamlines the development of web applications. Here are some of the reasons you may want to use a PHP Framework:
- You can accelerate the development process using templates, application architecture and utility functionality.
- Popular PHP frameworks adhere to security best practices, making securing your website or application more straightforward.
- Reduce the number of errors and avoid reinventing your code for each application.
- To facilitate teamwork as offshore php developers already know the framework, or, if they don't, have access to a wealth of learning materials, documentation and community help.
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Take advantage of the ecosystem created by third parties around the framework.
This includes templates, add-ons and plugins.
There may be better solutions for developing web applications than a PHP framework. The extra overhead of a framework may not be worth it for projects with unique requirements or are very small.
You may be better off creating your application using pure PHP, as it will have fewer dependencies.
What Should You Be Looking For In A Framework?
When choosing a PHP Framework, consider a few things. Visit Symfony's 10 criteria to choose the best framework for more information.
It would be best if you started by considering the following:
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The Framework's Popularity And Size Of Its Community: Frameworks often are community-driven.
Therefore, an active community that maintains and improves a framework can significantly benefit.
- Philosophy: What are the goals of this framework? If the framework doesn't align with your business goals and needs, consider alternative solutions.
- Sustainability: Does the framework receive regular maintenance, and can it support the technology stack you use now and into the future?
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Support: Who can you contact if you need help or have questions? This point is often tied to the community size and popularity criteria.
You should have access to online resources and documentation that will help you solve any issues you may encounter.
It is best to test the options before you implement them in your tech stack. Testing all of them is unnecessary, but you should limit it to just two or three and play with them.
You never know what you might find!
Twelve Of The Best PHP Frameworks
This list is based on popularity and their ability to simplify web application development.
Laravel
Laravel, which was introduced in 2011, has grown to be the most popular open-source PHP framework. Why? It can handle secure web applications at a much faster rate than other frameworks.
It has a beautiful syntax and is focused on the developer experience. Laravel simplifies development by improving tasks like routing, sessions and caching. The blade is the PHP template engine, but it can be used with JavaScript frontend frameworks like Vue.js and React.
Why Use Laravel?
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Laravel can be used to develop applications that have complex backend requirements.
Homestead is a Vagrant-based, pre-packaged box that makes it easier to install Laravel.
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This PHP framework is full of features to help you create complex apps.
Among these are seamless data migration, MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture support, security, routing, view template engine, and authentication, among many others.
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Laravel's speed and security meet the expectations of a modern web app.
It is also highly expressive.
Laravel is an excellent choice for developers looking to create B2B and enterprise websites that will adapt to changing web trends.
CodeIgniter
CodeIgniter, a PHP framework known for its small footprint (2 MB including documentation), is ideal for creating dynamic websites.
It has several pre-built modules to help you build robust and reusable components.
CodeIgniter: Why It Is Worth Using
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Installing CodeIgniter, a lightweight PHP framework with a simple interface, is a breeze.
It's perfect for beginners due to its simple installation process and well-illustrated documentation.
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The MVC architecture, the built-in security tools and the simple, thorough documentation are all key features.
CodeIgniter allows you to create scalable applications.
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CodeIgniter has a much faster performance compared to other frameworks.
It's also an excellent choice for lightweight applications that run on modest servers, as it offers a solid performance.
CodeIgniter is a framework that releases irregularly, which could be a better option for applications requiring high-level security.
Symfony
Symfony was first launched in 2005. It has been around longer than the other frameworks in this list. This makes it a mature and reliable platform.
Symfony, an extensive PHP MVC framework that strictly follows PHP and web standards, was launched in 2005. According to Builtwith, there are 22,055 active websites that utilize the Symfony PHP Framework, with an additional 84,379 sites utilizing the same framework.
Symfony: Why It Is Useful
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Symfony can be used to develop large-scale enterprise applications.
It is easy to install on most platforms.
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Its reusable PHP components are one of its key features.
It also boasts database-engine-independence and stability, complies with most web best practices and design patterns, and allows for integration with other vendor libraries.
- Symfony can also be integrated with larger projects, such as Drupal.
Symfony vs Laravel
Let's compare these two PHP frameworks since Laravel is built on Symfony. Determining which software framework is objectively superior is difficult, but Laravel is currently more popular.
Symfony is more difficult to learn, and targets experienced developers. Symfony is harder to use, and its security system can be more complex.
CakePHP
You've come to the right place for a simple, elegant toolkit. CakePHP helps you create visually stunning, feature-rich websites and applications.
CakePHP, a CRUD framework (Create, Read, Update, Delete), is also one of the most straightforward frameworks for beginners to master. CakePHP was first released in the early 2000s and has since improved its performance and added many new features.
CakePHP: Why It's A Good Choice
- CakePHP installation is easy and simple since you only require a web server and a copy of the framework.
- This is an excellent choice for commercial applications because of its security features, which include SQL Injection Prevention, input validation and protection against cross-site request Forgery (CSRF).
- Fast builds, class inheritance, security, validation and validation are some key features.
- CakePHP offers excellent documentation, numerous support portals and premium support via Cake Development Corporation.
Yii
The Yii framework - stands for Yes, it is! It is simple and evolutionary. It is a component-based, high-performance PHP framework that allows you to develop modern web applications.
Yii is a universal PHP framework that can be used for any PHP project. However, it's recommended most for large-scale web application development.
Yii: Why Is It Useful
- Yii is easy to install and has robust security features that make it suitable for high-security endeavors like ecommerce projects, portals, CMSs (content management systems), forums, etc.
- The database is highly extensible and allows best php developers to avoid writing repetitive SQL statements by modelling the data as objects.
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Yii is supported by a team of core developers and many contributors with extensive experience.
Thanks to its large user base, you can get quick help from the Yii community.
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You can customize almost every part of the code.
If it's your first use, expect a steep learning process.
Laminas Project
Laminas Project is the open-source continuation of the Zend Framework. It's an entirely object-oriented framework that can be extended using features like inheritance and interfaces.
The Agile methodology was used to build it, which allows you to provide high-quality software to your enterprise clients. Laminas Project adheres to PHP Best Practices and is highly customizable, essential for developers who wish to add project-specific functionality.
Laminas Project: Why It Is Useful
- Laminas Project fits perfectly for large, complex projects.
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Some of the key features include MVC components and simple cloud API.
Data encryption and session management are also included.
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The framework is compatible with third-party PHP libraries, and you can choose only the necessary components.
Laminas Project has extensive documentation and a large user community.
Phalcon
Phalcon is a full-stack PHP framework using the MVC Web Architecture Design Pattern. It was first written in C++ and released in 2012.
Phalcon is delivered as a C extension, so you don't need to learn C but still get the low-level optimizations of native applications.
Phalcon: Why Use It?
- Phalcon allows you to create highly configurable web apps that follow enterprise development guidelines.
- The key features are increased execution speed, asset management, an autoloader universal, top security, and caching.
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Phalcon, unlike other web application frameworks, optimizes performance through efficient memory usage.
Phalcon is an excellent framework for creating a website that loads lightning-fast.
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Phalcon's developers can be slow in patching bugs.
This may need to meet the high-security standards you require.
Fat-Free Framework F3
Fat-Free Framework is a PHP microframework designed with minimalism as its primary goal. It is easy to use and allows you to build fast-loading PHP applications.
F3 is a framework you can rely on, as it has been around for over a decade. The framework has over 2,600 stars on GitHub and a vibrant community.
F3 is flexible because MVC is not enforced but supported.
Fat-Free Framework: Why It Is Useful
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Fat-Free Framework has a flat learning curve and is an easy-to-use development tool for beginners.
It is easy to install and does not require any complicated configuration.
- This lightweight PHP Framework is compressed into one file weighing only 65 KB.
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Fat-Free Framework is modular, so you can only add the required features.
There are plugins for templating tasks, unit testing, geodata processing, image processing and more.
- F3 supports SQL and NoSQL database types, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, PostgreSQL SQLite DB2, MongoDB, and SQLite.
- Axon is F3's ORM, and it syncs with your database automatically.
Lumen
Lumen, Laravel's PHP Micro-framework, was also created by Taylor Otwell with the Laravel Community. Lumen, a lightweight and faster PHP framework than Laravel with different routing parameters and less configuration, is lighter and quicker.
Lumen is a lighter and faster tool that uses Laravel syntax. However, it has fewer third-party integrations and does not have a PHP Template Engine.
Lumen: Why It Is Useful
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Lumen can be a good alternative if you're familiar with Laravel but want to use only some MVC frameworks.
You can upgrade your Lumen app to Laravel later if you wish.
The Lumen team has stated that they "no longer recommend you start new projects with Lumen" and instead advise upgrading to Laravel to take advantage of PHP's most recent performance improvements.
- Lumen is often used to create loosely coupled microservices in PHP and high-performance APIs.
- Lumen is faster than Laravel but also needs to be more flexible and configurable.
- Lumen has a very active and large community.
Slim
Slim is a popular PHP microframework that helps developers quickly and efficiently create web applications.
Slim's minimalistic architecture is used to create web services and applications. It includes a powerful HTTP Router and supports PSR-7 HTTP Message Implementations and dependency injection.
Slim: Why It's A Good Idea
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Slim is also easy to learn.
Slim is used by PHP developers to create RESTful APIs, microservices, and microservices.
- This is an excellent solution for small web applications and rapid prototyping that do not require an MVC PHP Framework.
- The key features include URL Routing, session and cookie encryption, client-side HTTP caching and more.
- Slim is easy to use thanks to its friendly documentation and active maintenance.
Flights
Flight is another one of our micro frameworks. The Flight was designed to be extensible and includes several standard components and methods.
You can also register classes, map methods or override classes and methods. Due to its Restful nature, this framework may not be suitable for large-scale projects. To use Flight, you must be using PHP 5.3.
Use Flight For A Variety Of Reasons
- Flight documentation needs to be more transparent and easier to find answers for.
- Flight supports sending JSONP responses and JSONP, routing, and error handling.
- Supports HTTP-level caching.
PHPixie
PHPixie, introduced in 2012, implements the HMVC pattern. The framework was designed to be a high-performance framework for read-only sites.
Why Use Phpixie?
- PHPixie is a simple tool that can be used to create social networking sites, web apps, and customized web applications.
- Key features include HMVC Architecture, ORM standard (object-relational Mapping), input validation capabilities, authorization capabilities and authentication.
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PHPixie is built using independent components.
You can therefore use it without having to install the framework.
PHPixie is a framework with relatively few modules.
It also lacks the support for independent components that are not dependent on other dependencies.
PHPixie is no longer actively maintained or updated.
While it still has a large user base it is not the best option for new projects.
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How Difficult Is It To Maintain PHP Frameworks?
It's essential to keep track of errors as part of your PHP workflow. CODERS.DEV Crash Reporting is compatible with all PHP frameworks and helps you diagnose and detect software errors.
You'll be alerted when an issue affects your users with intelligent PHP error monitoring from trusted tools like CODERS.DEV.
Also Read: How to Hire Best CakePHP Developer for Your Next Web Development Project
Why Hire PHP Programmers
You should hire best php developers for several reasons.
For starters, the frameworks that are used by PHP are easy to use. Since PHP is faster than other languages, many programmers choose PHP for their project development.
Due to this, some professional programmers will design prototypes using PHP and then use other languages in the future.
PHP is also very versatile. For example, it can display photographs and galleries and even receive passwords.
You can hire PHP web developers because they are compatible with all databases and almost any server. This makes it easier to meet the needs of your project. PHP is a scripting and programming language that's open source.
A large community of PHP programmers worldwide work to improve and innovate this language.
Many forums, FAQs and PHP experts will help you solve your problem. PHP web development tools make it easy to scale websites and web apps, as well as to customise them to meet the specific needs of your business or project.
A PHP programmer can create a user interface that is responsive and quick. PHP web development offers a lot of functionality for both beginners and experts. A new programmer can learn the fundamentals of PHP in a short time.
Many programmers are attracted to its simplicity, especially those starting in the field or wanting to market themselves on job boards.
There are many PHP programmers for hire because PHP is widely used.
Here are a few advantages to using PHP or hiring PHP developers who are familiar with developing PHP applications.
PHP has also improved with the release of PHP 7.0+. This makes it more appealing to both programmers and clients. PHP is a language that many businesses and programmers hire.
It's been a valuable and helpful coding language for a very long time.
What Is The Role Of A PHP Programmer?
PHP programmers can be an asset to your team in building dynamic and scalable online apps. PHP programmers work primarily on the server side of the development process.
They are mainly responsible for the backend components. The PHP programmers would be responsible for establishing the foundation of online apps and providing behind-the-scenes web services.
PHP programmers can use it to create code modules, websites and web applications. This is evident in blogs, forums, online apps, and e-commerce websites.
To collaborate with other programmers, the team members must understand the front-end elements of the development process.
It's essential to understand PHP programmers' specific responsibilities and roles in your organization. The responsibilities of a PHP programmer might include the following:
- Create apps, software and websites.
- Collaboration with the project or development team is essential to identify software solutions.
- It would be best if you had a good understanding of PHP frameworks, back-end development and other related technologies.
- Apps that are responsive and successful.
- Code your website, then test, fix, and maintain it.
- You can troubleshoot source code and security concerns.
Here is a small sample of what PHP programmers do daily. PHP programmers' roles can vary between firms depending on the client, project, and business requirements.
PHP programmers are sometimes expected to be able to code client-side, such as JavaScript and CSS. PHP programmers can help create a positive user experience for your clients by understanding programming languages and web solutions.
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Soft Skills For A PHP Programmer
Soft skills can be as necessary when hiring PHP programmers as hard skills, such as PHP coding. To find the best PHP programmers to hire, you should look for web programmers with a clear and concise communication style, strong business and marketing skills, problem-solving ability, leadership and an understanding of project requirements.
You can hire PHP programmers with these skills and be sure that they will contribute to the success of your business or startup.
What Should You Know Before Hiring PHP Programmers?
After we have covered the capabilities, responsibilities and typical compensation for PHP programmers, you must decide what type of web developer is best for your project.
It would be best if you decided whether you need an in-house PHP developer or a freelance PHP developer. You may want to hire in-house PHP developers as permanent members of your PHP team. In-house PHP programmers are usually more expensive to hire due to insurance costs, office space, and training.
Hiring freelance PHP programmers can be a good option for small businesses or startups just starting.
Freelancers are a great option if you need a programmer to work on a specific project or require rapid web services.
Freelancers are not necessarily the best specialists or the most involved with your company's growth. However, they can help you create a project, an application or a website. Where can you find PHP programmers who are dedicated to their work and who will do the job well?
What Makes A Good PHP Programmer?
PHP programmers are responsible for various projects, including those of varying complexity. They also develop, test, and maintain code on web pages.
It requires a high degree of analytical and problem-solving skills. A PHP programmer who is well-versed in the language works with other programmers of experience to develop various apps and fix any problems that may arise.
He should know most PHP frameworks, such as Laravel and Yii. This is a checklist of basic skills that every successful PHP programmer must possess:
- Working with SQL/MySQL databases.
- HTML and CSS Knowledge.
- Knowledge of control systems (SVN/Git).
- JavaScript is an excellent language to learn.
- Working knowledge of frameworks like Laravel, Symphony and YII2.
- Experience with CMSs such as Drupal, Joomla, and WordPress.
- It is essential to have a good understanding of OOP (object-oriented Programming).
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Where Can You Find Good PHP Programmers?
You can find a PHP programmer to hire in many different areas. The success of your business depends on choosing the best.
Ask yourself these five questions to help you choose the best source of employment:
- How soon will you need the services of a programmer?
- How many programmers will you need?
- What type of experience are you expecting?
- Would you be willing to hire top php developers who work from home?
- What are your financial limitations?
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Conclusion
A PHP framework can simplify the development process and reduce your workload. Each framework has strengths and weaknesses.
They also vary by community, documentation and the databases that they support. The best framework depends on several factors, including security, ease of use, scalability and documentation. Start by understanding the needs of the application or project you are developing.
Choose the PHP framework that is most appropriate for your project or application from this list.
Paul is a highly skilled Full Stack Developer with a solid educational background that includes a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Software Engineering, as well as a decade of hands-on experience. Certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Agile Scrum Master bolster his knowledge. Paul's excellent contributions to the software development industry have garnered him a slew of prizes and accolades, cementing his status as a top-tier professional. Aside from coding, he finds relief in her interests, which include hiking through beautiful landscapes, finding creative outlets through painting, and giving back to the community by participating in local tech education programmer.
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