Posts tagged "PHP"

5 Popular PHP frameworks for Web Developers in 2021

PHP, also known as hypertext preprocessor, is an open-source server-side scripting language. It’s trendy, too — up to 80% of all websites were using PHP as of August 2021, without the signs of slowing down any time soon. It is easy to use and download and very powerful enough to run some of the most significant websites on the internet (Facebook, WordPress, and Wikipedia, to name a few).

Since 1991, PHP database frameworks have had lots of time to come and go with the landscape full of standard options. There is now an expensive ecosystem of frameworks available to make your life easy while writing PHP code.

But why do you need to make use of a PHP framework at first? Which PHP framework is suitable for you?

This post will list the top 10 PHP frameworks available in the market today and provide you with the information to choose which is suitable for you.

What to look for in a framework?

There are various things that you should be looking for when selecting a PHP framework. For more details, check the ten criteria for choosing the proper framework.

From a high level, you should consider:

  • Popularity and community size: Frameworks are usually community-driven, so ensuring a platform to maintain and improve a framework is a huge positive benefit.
  • Philosophy: What is the purpose of the framework? If it doesn’t line up with your business requirements and goals, maybe you source another solution.
  • Sustainability: Is the framework usually maintained, and will it help your technology stack both now and later on?
  • Support: Is there anywhere that you can quickly turn to if you have any questions or concerns? Practically, this point goes back into the popularity and community size criteria. Documentation and online resources should be made available to enable you to navigate any challenges you might encounter.

However, the best way for you to make a decision is to carry them out. We can’t stress enough the essentials of trying these frameworks out before implementing them into your tech stack. You don’t have to test everyone specifically; narrow it down to two or three options and play around with the possibilities.

5 of the best PHP frameworks

Here are the best PHP frameworks based on popularity and capability to facilitate application development.

  • Laravel

Laravel has become the most commonly free, open-source PHP framework globally, and it was introduced in 2011. Why? Since it can handle complex web applications properly at a faster pace than other frameworks. Laravel simplifies the development method by making everyday tasks such as sessions, routing, caching, and authentication easy.

Reasons to use Laravel

  • Laravel is best when creating applications with complex backend needs, either small or large. Installing Laravel is easy with the introduction of Homestead, a prepackaged, all-in-one vagrant box.
  • It’s a PHP framework full of functions that will enable you to customize complex apps. Among these: MVC architecture support, seamless data migration, security, routing, authentication, and view template engine, among many others.
  • Laravel is very expressive, and its speed and security are in line with expectations for a current web application. , Laravel is the best for developers who want to create B2B or enterprise websites that will evolve with flexible web trends.
  • Symfony

The Symfony framework has been in existence longer than other frameworks on this list, but it was launched in 2005. It is a very reliable platform. Symfony is a PHP MVC framework and the only framework known to support PHP and web standards.

Reasons to use Symfony.

  • Symfony is the proper choice for creating large-scale enterprise projects. It’s simple to install and configure on most platforms.
  • One of its major features? It’s a reusable PHP component. It also has a database engine–independence, stability, agrees with most web best practices and design patterns, and enables integration with other vendor libraries.
  • Symfony can integrate with massive projects like Drupal, and it is very flexible. Symfony and Laravel have several standard and incredible features, making it challenging to say which of these frameworks is best.

Thus, while Laravel focuses more on delivering value, especially for developers who are not complex, Symfony focuses on difficult developers and is a bit hard to start. Moreover, the Symfony security mechanism is a bit challenging to use. And since it allows developers to “do it all,” it can be slower than other frameworks.

  • Yii

The Yii framework, which stands for Yes, is evolutionary and straightforward. It’s a standard performance component-based PHP framework for creating modern web applications. Yii is proper for all types of web apps. Therefore, it’s a general web programming framework.

Reasons to use Yii

  • Yii has a straightforward installation process. However, its robust security features make the framework usable for standard secure endeavors such as e-commerce projects, forums portals, CMS, and many others.
  • It shows excellent speed and performance. It is very extensible. It enables developers to avoid the risk of the complexity of writing repetitive SQL statements, as they can model the database data in the aspect of objects.
  • Yii has core developer experts and teams that contribute to its development. You can post difficult on Yii forums and get help from a vast community using it.
  • Yii is very extensible, and you can customize almost every piece of the core’s code. Thus, if it’s your first time using it, be prepared for a steep learning curve.
  • Phalcon

Phalcon was initially written in C and C++ and released in 2012. It is a full-stack PHP framework that uses the MVC web architecture design pattern. Since it’s kn as a C-extension, you don’t have to worry about knowing the C programming language.

Reasons to use Phalcon.

  • Phalcon is simple to install and suitable for developing highly configurable web applications in line with enterprise development protocols.
  • Significant features include asset management, increased execution speed, a universal autoloader, and top security and caching.
  • Unlike other frameworks, Phalcon uses performance due to its efficient memory utilization. You should give Phalcon a try if you want to develop a blazing fast website.
  • On the other note, Phalcon developers are slow to patch bugs, which may not give with today’s requirement for high levels of security.
  • PHPixie

PHPixie implements the HMVC design pattern just like FuelPHP, and it was introduced in 2012. It aimed to develop a quality performance framework for read-only websites.

Reasons to use PHPixie.

  • It’s simple to get started with PHPixie, which is perfectly good for social networking websites, web app development services, and customized web applications.
  • Significant features include standard ORM (object-relational mapping), HMVC architecture, input validation, authentication, authorization capabilities, and caching.
  • PHPixie is developed using independent components. Therefore, you can use it without the framework itself. Thus, PHPixie has practically few modules. Aside from that, it lacks help for features independently made from the dependencies. Since it’s virtually new, it’s less popular and has a smaller community of clients than other frameworks.

How hard are PHP frameworks to maintain?

It is vital to track errors as part of your PHP workflow. Raygun Crash Reporting works with PHP frameworks and will help you detect and diagnose software errors. You can be alerted to challenges affecting your users the moment it occurs with innovative PHP error monitoring software from Raygun,

Which PHP framework is fit for you?

The decision on the perfect framework to use depends on different factors such as security, ease of use, documentation, scalability, and more. So, you should understand the needs of the project or application you want to create. Then, select the preferable PHP framework from this list; you can never go wrong.

 

7 Reasons Why PHP is Best for Web Development

Modern businesses are not confined to limit with the help of their websites to reach any part of the world. A company needs to have its website to secure its growth and to stay competitive. Selecting the standard technology partner is the first step in making a successful website. In recent years, many technologies and ways have been devised to develop websites, but PHP has surfaced as the best technology for this.

It is a top choice for developing websites, and web apps rule the world, with up to 79% of websites that use a server also using PHP. It is also the leading underlying technology in lots of content management systems in the market currently. PHP website development is a standard option for lots of businesses.

WHAT IS PHP, AND WHAT MAKES IT POPULAR?

An open-source and free server-side language is PHP which is an acronym of Hypertext Preprocessor is. It is an all-purpose language that is developed and maintained by a vast community. PHP entails handling the rear-end side or the server-side of a website or web application architecture. PHP code frequently gets used on the server, and the customer-side only gets the plain HTML code shown to the clients by a web browser.

PHP loads data from a server and place it into the HTML DOM, but it doesn’t have complete control over HTML like JavaScript. It can connect to various databases, apply scripts to HTML, start sessions, and execute other tasks.

You can do many things with PHP and develop compelling web applications, which is the top reason for the popularity of the server-side scripting language. PHP is entirely used for:

  • Add/modify database information.
  • Develop flexible content.
  • Create, open, write, delete, read, and close files on a server.
  • Send or receive cookies.
  • Collect/accept data from forms.
  • Peerform/execute data encryption
  • PHP produces HTML output, but it can also generate PDF, XML, Flash, and other files.

Depending on your needs and requirements, PHP can be a suitable method to develop a perfect website. To establish a non-competitive website for your business, you can hire a PHP developer with ease. You can check out how PHP influences modern businesses currently to get a better insight into how PHP is beneficial for web development for firms.

Reasons why PHP is good for web development projects

#1. IT’S FREE AND OPEN-SOURCE

A free server-side language is a budget-friendly choice that can develop any web solution, be it a website, eCommerce store, or web application. The language is in sync with the latest web development trends and is also relevant, and the community is responsible for allowing this. PHP is a well-known language in website development, so there is no shortage of standard developers who can help you create a tremendous website or web app or help with your hassles. Also, the community puts infrequent efforts to make sure that the language remains par excellence.

#2. COMPATIBLE WITH ALL OS

Another advantage of PHP is that it is compatible with various operating systems, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Unix, and its interfaces suitably with MySQL and Apache servers. So, it covers the major operating systems and is usable on multiple platforms. Also, PHP is a standard language for developing cross-platform web applications, and it enables cross-platform web development easy. Such a web app is used on the system irrespective of the operating system it is running.

#3. DYNAMIC AND FLEXIBLE

Websites or web applications created using PHP are very secure because they allow full-proof encryption. The capability of encryption and scalability adds standard to this incredible server-side language, making it a flexible technology. PHP-based web apps and websites load automatically with no manual intervention. It offers higher flexibility than any other server-side language within its field, and it is customization to ensure any business requirements. You can use the code editor to write PHP code with ease since it is an open-source language. It is combined with various libraries to produce varied effects.

#4. PLENTY OF RESOURCES

Another benefit of choosing PHP for web development is that it offers many resources and tools for developers who want to add certain features or functionalities to their web applications. Either the developer requires editors, dependency managers, documentation tools, or frameworks, PHP ensures standard tools that are ready for use. By sourcing the available resources, one can learn PHP and find new methods to build a web solution. A lot of help is available for PHP development that covers almost all motives related to the field. Also, PHP enables lots of extensions to craft the solutions as per the clients’ requirements.

#5. ROBUST SOLUTIONS WITH PHP FRAMEWORKS

Many frameworks have been developed based on PHP, which ensures an easy way for developers to create web apps quickly. Businesses might take advantage of frameworks like CakePHP, Laravel, Zend Framework, Symfony, CodeIgniter, Yii, and so on. By using these frameworks, developers can develop the best web apps or websites. Most frameworks support MVC (Model View Controller) architecture that uses coding and enables developers to achieve efficient solutions.

#6. DATABASE FLEXIBILITY

In terms of connectivity, PHP is a flexible language. It helps various databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more. MySQL is majorly used with PHP, but you can also use other databases to develop a web application in PHP. Because of the database flexibility, PHP is used in various application environments to create customized web apps or websites.

#7. WORKS WELL WITH CMSS

An incredible benefit of making PHP the web development technology for your business is it’s majorly used in different content management systems. Various topmost CMSs, including WordPress, Magento, Drupal, PrestaShop, Joomla, and more, are written in PHP or are powered by a PHP-based framework. So, you can work with various CMSs if you make PHP the leading technology for your PHP website development project. Well-customized websites are developed with the use of a PHP-based content management system.

Final Note

PHP is one of the topmost web technologies used in several web solutions, probably an eCommerce store, a simple website, or a web application. It is an open-source and free coding language. PHP is a cost-friendly but easy-to-learn language, making it an exact coding language needed to create many web solutions. Either you want to make a website or web app, it gives you total control over how you can develop a web solution. It is a competitive server-side scripting language which is a good option for developing feature-rich web applications. PHP developers are readily available, so you can hire a PHP developer and build an appropriate website that meets your specific needs.

 

Top PHP Web Development Trends In 2021

Over half of all websites use PHP (hypertext preprocessor). This web development technology is popular but has its critics.

PHP is a widely used server-side scripting language. It is used to create web pages that interact with databases. It can be embedded into HTML when building websites.

PHP Advantages

  • PHP is open-sourced and free.
  • Data flexible: PHP supports numerous databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.
  • Cost-effective: as PHP is free and requires no license to use, this makes it affordable to all.

Today we’re going to look at PHP trends in 2021.

Smart Chatbots

Traditional forms of customer service are not meeting the demands of today’s consumers. Businesses and customers both need more efficient and accessible ways to handle queries, and as a result, some businesses have begun to use chatbots.

Chatbots produce a scripted response customized for each user’s request to the website. They are helpful in providing general guidance or IT queries, for example, more quickly and consistently. PHP can be utilized to build more intelligent chatbots for their specific business needs.

Website Security

Fighting back against cyber attacks is a priority for businesses. Using PHP tools provides an opportunity to merge security modules such as the Laravel framework into your website for robust protection. You can also use the PHP framework to build highly protected websites and apps.

UI Trends

One of the more recent trends in website development is the recognition of the importance of making the customer’s experience more user-friendly.

This is a prominent feature of PHP, and developers can avail of many tools to enrich features and customers’ user experience. Some of the more popular frameworks available with PHP are Codelgniter, CakePHP, and Laravel PHP.

Cloud Integration

More and more businesses are investing in cloud technologies, and PHP cloud integration is an emerging trend. The potential of both technologies, when combined, brings flexible and cost-effective web solutions to businesses.

 PHP and IoT

IoT (Internet of Things) refers to physical items connected to the internet. The integration of PHP with IoT is a fast-emerging trend, with frameworks like Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony being particularly appropriate for the job. Combining the two will assist with the smoother processing of IoT objects.

Top 4 PHP web development frameworks

Cake PHP

A rapid development framework for PHP, Cake PHP is open-sourced. It enables developers to build applications quickly. Key features include support of databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite) and composer-based installer MVC support code generation tools.

CodeIgniter 

CodeIgniter is an easy-to-use framework that is MVC-based. Its libraries, components, and tools are extremely user-friendly. The ready-to-use libraries connect databases as well and perform operations such as sending emails, uploading files, and session management. Key features include form and data validation, XSS filtering, security, and query builder database support.

Laravel

Developers like Laravel: it facilitates rapid application development using advanced features and development tools. However, it also allows a simplified development process with clean, reusable code. Key features of this open-sourced framework include access to libraries, MVC architecture support, and ORM support.

Zend Framework

A collection of PHP packages, Zend provides a pure object-orientated code built around the MVC design pattern. Features include simple cloud API, data encryption, and support for databases such as PostgreSQL and SQLite.

Conclusion:

PHP is an attractive server-side language used for developing web solutions. Its codes run faster than other frameworks, and it offers flexibility in database connectivity. Recent upgrades and more relevant tools being added will only increase its relevance in 2021 and beyond.

Choosing a Full Stack Developer – What You Should Know

What is a full stack developer? A full stack developer is a developer that is knowledgeable in everything. They are all-in-one programmers. They are known as end-to-end developers. They can build a website on their own, do the coding, presentation, database, and infrastructure.

When to Hire a Full Stack Developer?

Knowing what a full stack developer do will help you know when to hire them. You should hire a full stack developer if you need someone for the following:

  • Create and develop a live website for you
  • Troubleshoot web issues, both technical (interface) and software related concerns
  • Provide testing techniques for apps
  • Web development management

A full stack developer is someone that can understand and perform tasks related to JavaScript, PHP, CSS, MySQL, Apache, etc.

Finding a Full Stack Developer

Finding a full stack player can be challenging as most developers are focused on only one stack or area of expertise. The best way to find a full stack developer is through online freelancing platforms like Upwork, StartupHire, LinkedIn, among others.

When looking for a full stack developer, you have to check a few things. Ask for the skills they have. This is beyond having a computer science degree. It involves expertise in using different software, app programs, and multiple software languages.

A full stack developer must be an expert in both client and server system (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, PHP, Ruby, Rails).

Advantages of Hiring Full Stack Developer

There is no exact list of what a full stack developer can do. The pay of a full stack developer is higher as compared to other developers. Here are some of the advantages of hiring a full stack developer that you should be aware of.

  • Hiring a full stack developer can save you time. You can screen one candidate for the entire project instead of interviewing different candidates for different stack or area
  • You can save money. You only have to pay one person for the entire project instead of paying a whole team

Tips When Hiring a Full Stack Developer

Since you are looking for an expert, ask for samples. Ask your candidate developer for a sample of their work or portfolio.

It is better to work with someone who already did a few projects in the past. Avoid working with a newbie because they might use your project as a training ground. If they can show code samples from Github or Gitlab, then it would be better.

If you are picking from an online platform, check for client reviews.

To sum it up, hiring a full stack developer can be a smart move if you know what to look for and where to look at. If you know where to find a reliable full stack developer, then you can give it a try. Once you tried working with a single person in creating your next website, you might find yourself entrusting your future projects to a full stack developer.