Php Frameworks

Web application development is a complex and time consuming process. A quest for faster, seamless and efficient development has given birth to various frameworks. Framework is a set of tools that helps to bring drastic change in speed and efficiency with which a web application works. Framework usage has various added advantage over use of core programming language. Major benefits that attract developers towards a framework are re-use of generic components, standardization of code and unified architectural structure. As a framework helps reduce time required developing a web application, developers can focus on scalability and quality of codes.

In fast evolving world of web application development, being consistent and compatible with new technology is essential to survive. There are numbers of php frameworks that can meet the requirements of seasoned software engineers. This makes difficult for a developer to select a php framework that is compatible with development process of an application. Choosing best framework is like choosing between Apple and Microsoft. The debate will have war like situation with lovers and experts of a framework on one side, haters and sceptics on other side and fresher programmer as an audience.

Although new language like Python is making foray in development world, PHP is undoubtedly most popular language for web development. Most popular web portals (e.g. Wikipedia), ecommerce CMSs (Wordpress, Shopify, Majento etc) have been built in php programming. In this reading we will be discussing best php frameworks and their features.

Laravel

Laravel is considered highly developer friendly and most suitable for newbie php programmer. Easy to program makes it most popular php framework. Whether it is best or not can lead to many hours long discussion but, well documented knowledge base and large community to seek support from definitely makes it most popular. Another feature of laravel that has helped increase in its support base is it is developer friendly. Laravel experts across the world often describe Laravel as elegant, fast and powerful. Equipped with similarity with CodeIgniter and some of the components of Symphony, Facebook HHMV supports Laravel.

CodeIgniter

With a small chunk in thee world of framework market, Codeigniter is considered as full PHP based framework mostly used by web app developers for relatively small and simple application. CodeIgniter requires fewer libraries to start development, so one can make a quick download from online. CodeIgnier is recommended when a new programmer wants to try his/her hands on a php framework. As the developer goes in the process of development with CodeIgniter, he/she starts learning about core of web application development. However, Codeigniter is believed to be relatively dead as compared to future of Laravel. The framework requires no additional configuration in order to create fully functional web application.

Symfony

Symfony is flexible and highly adaptable in the list of php frameworks. Sometimes Symfony is slow and overloaded because of its resource rich features. Yet it attracts developers for many reasons. One of the reasons is its ready to use bundles which makes application development faster. Another great feature is it is ideal for full-stack development which helps you develop a kind of application you want. Learning programming with Symfony is relatively difficult as compare to Laravel and Codeigniter. However, a developer with expertise in Symfony is able to produce enterprise class solution with full control on architecture.

Zend

Zend is widely considered as most equivocal php framework of all. Feedbacks of Zend vary from “worst framework so far” to “complicated as hell”. It is advocated for being a framework to put in implementation whatever way you want. And it is criticised for it complex syntax. With Zend 2, it is back in the race of leadership. Comparable to Symfony for its adjustability, Zend allows you to use selected libraries not necessary for entire framework. Well documented how-to with examples make many developers to lean towards Zend. Its rich PHP class library takes coding ability of a developer to next level with ease.

Phalcon

Written in C language, Phalcon is unanimously recommended for speedy performance. With C in its core, Phalcon enjoys edge over other frameworks when it is about fast performance. How adjustable it is as compare to other frameworks is matter of long debate. Start of the journey of Phalcon is quite impressive and deserves to grow and evolve better. Enough documentation and easy ORM are its added advantage. Phalcon is comparatively little bloated. A developer might find it difficult go through the libraries as Phalcon is way more portable.

Cake PHP

Cacke PHP enjoys large number of lovers for all good reason. Easy to learn, plenty of built-in features, speedy development, agile and flexibility are some of the reasons. To develop your application with Cake PHP, just create your database and you set to go. Cake PHP takes away headache of security of your application with its own security measures.

Yii

Yii is popular for a kind of framework that is convenient and efficient for development of an application with lower learning time. It is one of flawless php frameworks used for small application of best quality. Yii, meaning easy in Chinese, really stands up to its name.

As we have mentioned in the start, it can lead to never ending and inconclusive debate of which framework is best. So, it is completely up to you about which one to go for. Most important thing to keep in mind is requirements / needs of your application. Also think about features application, usability and time you have to launch your web application.