PHP (or hypertext preprocessor) is an open-source, server-side scripting language. It is extremely popular — nearly 80% were using PHP in August 2021. There are no signs that PHP will slow down anytime soon. It is free to download and easy to use. It can run many of the most popular websites. Why do you need to use a PHP Framework? How do you choose the right PHP frameworks for you?
PHP database frameworks were first introduced in 1991. The landscape is now full of high-quality options. You can now use a wide range of frameworks to simplify your PHP code writing.
This article will present the top 10 PHP frameworks available today. It will also provide information that will help you choose the right one for you.
Check your web application for PHP errors or performance issues that could impact your end-user experience.
Why Should You Use A PHP Framework Instead?
The PHP framework is a structure that streamlines the development of web applications. They speed up the development process.
Businesses can benefit from the responsiveness of web and mobile applications created with PHP frameworks. It is clear that PHP frameworks will continue to gain popularity and attention in 2019.
What Should You Look Out For In A Framework?
When choosing a PHP framework, there are many things you need to consider. You can find more information on the ten criteria to choose the right framework.
At a high level you should consider:
- Community size and popularity: Frameworks are often community-driven. This means that it is hugely beneficial to ensure there is a community to support and improve the framework.
- Philosophy: How does the framework work? You might consider looking for an alternative solution if it isn’t compatible with your business goals and needs.
- Sustainability: Does the framework support your technology stack now and in the future, and is it regularly maintained?
- Support: Where can you go if you have questions or concerns? This point often ties back to the community size and popularity criteria. You should have access to documentation and online resources in order to solve any issues you may encounter.
However, the best way to decide is to test them. It is important to test these frameworks before you implement them in your tech stack. While you don’t need to try everyone, it is a good idea to limit your options to just two or three and have some fun with them. You might be surprised!
Also read: Top 10 Backend Frameworks For Web Development
Top 10 Powerful PHP Frameworks
This is a list listing the top PHP frameworks according to popularity and their ability to aid application development.
1. Laravel
Laravel was introduced in 2011. It has been the most popular open-source PHP framework. Why? It can securely handle web applications at a much faster pace than other frameworks. Laravel makes development easier by simplifying common tasks like sessions, routing, caching, authentication, and caching.
Reasons to Use
Laravel is ideal for developing complex applications, no matter how small or large they are. The introduction of Homestead has made it easier to install Laravel. This is a prepackaged, all-in-one vagrant box.
This PHP framework is full of features that allow you to customize complex apps. These include seamless data migration, MVC architecture support security routing, authentication, and routing.
Laravel is expressive and secure. It also has speed and security that are consistent with modern web applications. Laravel is the best choice for developers looking to create enterprise websites or B2B sites that can evolve with evolving web trends.
2. CodeIgniter
CodeIgniter has a small footprint that allows for the development of dynamic websites. There are many pre-built modules that can be used to build robust, reusable components.
Reasons to Use
CodeIgniter, unlike other PHP frameworks, is lightweight and simple to install. It’s easy to set up and has a lot of illustrated documentation. This makes it ideal for beginners.
The MVC architecture, error handling, and security tools are all key features. Simple and great documentation is also included. It also creates scalable applications.
CodeIgniter runs much faster than other frameworks. It’s an excellent choice for those who want lightweight applications that can run on small servers, as it offers excellent performance. The framework is not recommended for applications that require high-level security. CodeIgniter releases can be irregular.
3. Symfony
The Symfony Framework was created in 2005. It’s reliable and stable and is a mature platform. Symfony, a PHP MVC framework that supports extensive PHP development, is the only one to adhere to PHP and web standards.
Reasons to Use
Symfony is the ideal choice for large-scale enterprise projects. It is easy to set up and configure on all platforms.
Its key feature? It has reusable PHP components. It boasts database engine independence, stability, compliance with most web design patterns and best practices, and integration with other vendor libraries.
Symfony can also be integrated with larger projects such as Drupal. Symfony, Laravel, and many other features make it difficult to choose which framework is best.
Laravel is more focused on simplicity and delivering value for developers, even those who aren’t advanced, but Symfony targets developers who have advanced skills and is more difficult to learn. Symfony’s security mechanism can be a little difficult to use. It allows developers to “do everything all” which can make it slower than other frameworks.
4. CakePHP
Look no further if you are looking for an elegant and simple toolkit. CakePHP can help you create visually stunning, feature-loaded websites. CakePHP is also one of the easiest frameworks, due to its CRUD framework (create, read. update, delete). CakePHP was released in the early 2000s and has since gained improved performance and many new components.
Reasons to Use
CakePHP is easy to set up and requires only a web server and a copy of the framework.
This product is a great choice for commercial applications because of its security features, which include input validation, SQL injection prevention, cross-site request forgery (CSRF protection), and cross-site scripting protection (XSS).
A modern framework, fast builds, and proper class inheritance are some of the key features. Validation, security, and validation are also important. CakePHP also offers great documentation and many support portals. Premium support is available through Cake Development Corporation.
5. Yii
The Yii framework stands for Yes, It Is! It is actually simple and easy to use. It is a component-based PHP framework that allows you to develop modern web apps. Yii can be used for any type of web app. Yii is a universal web programming platform.
Reasons to Use
Yii is easy to install. The framework’s robust security features make it suitable for high-security endeavors like e-commerce portals, CMS, forums, and other portals.
It is fast and efficient, highly extensible, and allows developers to avoid repetitive SQL statements. They can also model the database data using objects.
Yii has a core team of developers and experts who contribute to its development. Yii has a large user base so you can post your issues and get assistance.
Yii’s extensibility is amazing. You can modify almost every line of core code. Be prepared to learn a lot if this is your first time using Yii.
Also read: 10 Best Node.JS Frameworks for App Development
6. Zend Framework
The Zend Framework is an object-oriented framework. It can be extended by using features like inheritance and interfaces. It is built using the agile methodology which allows you to deliver high-quality applications to enterprise clients. Zend is flexible and follows PHP best practices. This is a great point for developers looking to add specific functionality to their projects.
Reasons to Use
Zend framework is a great fit for complex enterprise-level projects. It is the preferred framework for banks and large IT departments.
MVC components, simple cloud APIs, data encryption, and session management are some of the key features.
It integrates with external libraries and allows you to use only the components that you need. Zend Framework has excellent documentation and a large community. Be prepared for a steep learning curve if you are a mobile app developer.
7. Phalcon
Phalcon is a full-stack PHP framework. It uses the MVC web architecture design patterns. Phalcon, originally written in C++ and C++, was released in 2012. It’s a C-extension so you don’t need to learn the C programming language.
Reasons to Use
Phalcon is simple to install and can be used to create highly configurable web apps that conform with enterprise development guidelines.
The key features include an increased execution speed, asset management, a universal Autoloader, top security, caching, and high execution speed.
Phalcon is a framework that optimizes performance. It uses the most efficient memory usage. Phalcon is a great tool for creating a fast website.
The downside is that Phalcon developers can be slow to fix bugs. This may not fit with today’s high-security requirements.
8. FuelPHP
FuelPHP, a flexible and full-stack PHP framework, was first released in 2011. It supports the MVC design pattern and has its own version, the hierarchical view controller (HMVC). HMVC is different from MVC in that content does not need to be duplicated to appear on multiple pages. It takes less time and uses less memory.
Reasons to Use
FuelPHP allows developers to create web solutions of varying sizes and complexity.
Key features include HMVC and RESTful implementations, vulnerability protection, caching, and a URL routing system.
This extends the security approach of FuelPHP beyond standard security measures. It is a great choice if you are concerned about security. FuelPHP is still relatively new and can be difficult to use.
9. PHPixie
PHPixie was introduced in 2012 and implements the HMVC design patterns. It was created to provide a framework that is highly performant for read-only websites.
Reasons to Use
PHPixie is easy to use for web application development, social networking websites, and custom web applications.
HMVC architecture, object-relational mapping standard ORM, input validation, authorization capabilities, and authentication are some of the key features.
PHPixie is built using independent components. PHPixie can be used without the framework. PHPixie is limited in its modules. It also lacks the ability to create components from dependencies independently. It’s still relatively new and is less well-known than other frameworks.
Also read: Top 10 JavaScript Frameworks for Developers
10. Slim
Slim, another PHP micro-framework, is a popular one that allows developers to quickly create powerful and simple web applications.
Reasons to Use
Like PHPixie, Slim can be learned quickly. Slim is used by PHP developers to create RESTful APIs (web services) and other web services.
The key features include URL routing and session encryption, cookie encryption, client-side HTTP caching, and many more.
It is the ideal framework to create small web applications that don’t require a full-stack PHP framework. Slim is extremely user-friendly thanks to its active maintenance and easy documentation.
How Difficult Is It to Maintain PHP Frameworks?
It is important to keep track of errors in your PHP workflow. Raygun Crash reporting works with all PHP frameworks. It will help you diagnose and correct software errors. Smart PHP error monitoring software by Raygun will alert you immediately to any issues that may affect your users.
Which PHP Framework Is Best For You?
The development process is simplified by using PHP frameworks, which reduces workload. Each framework has its strengths and weaknesses. They all differ in terms of community, documentation, and the database they support.
The decision about which framework to use will depend on many factors, such as security, ease-of-use, documentation, and other factors. Start by understanding your project requirements or the application you wish to create. Next, select the best PHP framework from this list. It’s impossible to go wrong.
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