First off, why would you use PHP?
With 83.1% of the websites using it, PHP is the most popular server-side programming language for the web, according to an usage report from w3techs.com. With ASP.NET, Java, Ruby and JavaScript way behind in the list (the last programming language only accounts for 0.4% of the market), if you you would like to start developing a web app, your logical choice would be the programming language with the most community support – that will make it easier for you, as a developer, to cover possible issues you may encounter while creating a piece of software.
Another very good reason for you to choose PHP is the existence of multiple frameworks that reduce the time needed for the initial setup and also reduce the hassle with structuring the project based on a methodology – the framework will provide an adequate solution for that.
Advantages (and disadvantages) of using a PHP framework
I like using bullet points to list positive and negative attributes on a whiteboard for each and every scenario I meet where I’d have to choose using or not using a product or a service. If the balance tilts toward the positive side, then I have a quick answer to my question. Here are few things you should know about using a PHP framework:
1. PHP frameworks will help you develop an application fast – the initial setup time is considerably reduced and the framework already suggests an environment configuration, which makes taking decisions easier.
2. PHP frameworks provide a well-organized, reusable code base. On the long run, this will help you organize your own code, as well
3. PHP frameworks “force” you to write maintainable code. You can connect that to point number (2) above and have a clear understanding on why that happens
4. Frameworks help you on the security-side of things, providing some low-level layers that will make you worry less and code more
5. Most frameworks already follow a design pattern. It’s usually MVC (Model-View-Controller)
6. On the negative side, some frameworks will “limit” you certain areas of development, especially if you are an extremely creative developer who likes out-of-the-box solution
And the 3 PHP Frameworks for Fast & Modern Web Development
So, of you’re very close to starting a new project, here are 3 PHP frameworks we think will help you write great code in no-time:
1. Laravel – released in 2011, this framework quickly gained the support of a lot of programmers and it has recently been marked as the most popular framework among developers. It’s one of the preferred frameworks for new PHP programmers because of the Laracasts (many provided for free) which makes it easier to get a grasp of what the framework is really about. Also, if you’re into using the CLI (Command Line Interface), then you’ll probably want to use Artisan Console.
2. Symphony – with a huge community of over 300,000 developers and with a philosophy that is embracing professionalism, this PHP framework is being used all around the web because of it’s reputation, resources and great background. Even Laravel (1) is based on Symfony 2. Routing, authentication, templating – all will sound easy with this framework that provides speed, flexibility, reusable components.
3. CodeIgniter – is a framework with a small footprint, but with a lot of “power under the hood”. Even if the it’s least popular, compared with the two frameworks already presented above, CodeIgniter is still being used by a lot of web developers due to it’s small learning curve, good documentation and good performance.
Conclusions
There are surely other PHP frameworks out there, each with it’s community and with it’s positives and negatives. Yii 2, Phalcon or CakePHP are just a few to mention. Zend Framework is also very robust and stable. But you need to consider the time needed to set up the environment, the learning curve, the speed of the framework relative to the project’s size and other such things. And covering – on the positive side – most of those areas, you’ll find the 3 framework presented above.
If you don’t want to worry about choosing the programming language, the framework or setting up environments, you can simply just ask the help of a software development company. One great way of keeping the budget under control, while still being delivered great code quality is outsourcing to Romania. With the help of a PHP team you can create simple presentation websites, e-commerce applications or just integrate other web services with ease.
If you have thoughts on the topic, don’t be shy and use the comment form below to share your opinion.
