PHP frameworks rely on APIs, functions, methods, and libraries to facilitate the development of top-notch applications and websites while streamlining the process. These frameworks empower developers to create resilient applications and websites with minimal hassle.
Leveraging a PHP framework can reap several advantages such as following recognised naming conventions, accelerated development timelines, better performance, reusability of code, augmented maintainability, and amplified security measures.
The implementation of frameworks can alter the level of reactiveness and dynamism in a website or application. With PHP frameworks on hand, developers can effortlessly make various tweaks and augment their applications. This results in a more expedient development process and the flexibility to promptly adapt to market alterations with confidence.
Regardless, developers must ensure that the PHP frameworks they select are capable of fulfilling the requirements of their applications.
The following compilation outlines some of the most notable PHP frameworks for developers to consider in 2022:
Laravel:
Laravel is a PHP framework of exceptional calibre that is widely acclaimed throughout the development community. Its standout feature is its ability to proficiently manage complex applications and websites. The model view controller (MVC) architecture of Laravel promotes collaborative development while making it easy for developers to access and distribute large amounts of content. This expedites the development process and drastically enhances productivity and efficiency.
The open-source Laravel PHP framework offers an array of features, including concise and visually-pleasing syntax, extensive community support, customised boilerplate code creation, authorisation, authentication, and enhanced session performance, queuing, and routing. Consequently, even esteemed organisations like CIS, Innovify, and IndiaNIC have made use of Laravel for their day-to-day operations.CakePHP:
CakePHP serves as a stellar choice for developers looking to design visually impressive applications that are packed with features. Compared to other PHP frameworks that are available, CakePHP offers heightened security measures, such as cross-site forgery prevention, SQL injection prevention and CSRF and XSS protection. This makes it a top pick for projects and applications that focus on business-oriented objectives.
With an Object Relational Mapper (ORM), swift building, input validation, and appropriate class inheritance, CakePHP is a web framework that has been employed by two reputable companies, namely Jabico and Cotter Web Enterprises, to fulfill their web development necessitates.CodeIgniter:
CodeIgniter is among the most frequently used PHP frameworks for developing dynamic web applications. It allows developers to employ the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, along with other architectural patterns, for their respective projects. Additionally, this framework provides an extensive array of modules that enable the creation of reusable components.
CodeIgniter is a prevalent web application framework that is utilised by businesses in multiple sectors. With context-sensitive escaping to safeguard against malicious code injection, as well as diverse caching mechanisms that improve performance, CodeIgniter makes error handling a breeze for developers, enabling them to rectify any problems quickly. CodeIgniter has already proved useful for web-based projects by successful organisations such as Dompet Duafa and Woodbox.Zend (formerly known as the Laminas Project):
Zend is an extremely versatile PHP framework that prioritises object-orientation, freedom, and user-friendliness. Its comprehensive documentation and active community support make it suitable for developers of all proficiencies.
With cloud API, MVC components, and session management and encryption, the features offered by Zend enable developers to create bug-free and robust code. As a result, many large companies including the likes of BBC, AutoTrack, Serpro, and Cisco Webex have invested their trust in Zend, integrating it into their respective digital systems.FuelPHP:
FuelPHP is a highly flexible and user-friendly PHP framework that touts impressive functionality in either Hierarchical Model View Controller (HMVC) or Model View Controller (MVC) architecture. Its ability to adapt seamlessly makes FuelPHP a dependable framework solution that promises unrivalled performance.
Robust security, an efficient caching system, RESTful services, and a user-friendly URL routing feature are among the many powerful features that FuelPHP provides businesses. The quality of its open source construction has caught the attention of prominent organisations such as Wan Wizard and Front Desk.Yii:
Yii is an exceptional option for developers seeking to produce secure solutions, thanks to its ease of use, extensibility, and extensive documentation. Its comprehensive security features, such as encryption, password hashing, authentication, and authorisation, render it one of the most secure PHP frameworks on the market. Consequently, developers can confidently manipulate any code in their Yii projects in the knowledge that their solutions remain uncompromised.
Yii also features useful code generation tools, efficient caching capabilities, fast development times, and a variety of configurable settings. Distinguished companies like YMCA, Crowdcube, Pastebin, and Purple depend on Yii to fulfill their development needs.
Related Article: Django vs. Flask: Which Framework Should You Use?Symfony:
Symfony is a well-established and widely-used PHP framework that is recognised for its simple setup and user-friendliness. Its compatibility with external vendor libraries allows for significant flexibility, making it an exceptionally versatile solution.
Symfony, an open source web application framework, boasts a range of advantages including a debugging toolbar, independence from any specific database engine, the capability to create reusable PHP components, and a vibrant community of dedicated users. Symphony’s unwavering reliability and practicality is reinforced by the fact that it has been adopted by some of the world’s largest companies such as Spotify, Trivago and Dailymotion.Slim:
Slim is the only micro-framework included on this list, making it the perfect choice for developers looking for an easy-to-learn platform that offers extensive community support. In addition to its simplicity, Slim provides numerous additional features, such as client-side HTTP cache, session security, cookie encryption, URL routing, and flash messaging services across HTTP requests.
Developers specialising in RestfulAPIs and services prefer Slim over other PHP frameworks, reflecting its popularity. This is evident in the fact that Slim is used by a varied cohort of companies, including CG forge, Canine Principles, Betterplace Academy, and Top Webcomics.Aura:
Aura distinguishes itself from other PHP frameworks by offering a unique compilation of decoupled libraries. It is an open-source and supremely adaptable framework that allows developers to utilise independent libraries without any connection to other libraries. This makes it an excellent option for developers seeking to ensure that their product is both scalable and easily manageable.
Documentation for each library is available within Aura. Notably, prominent firms such as Explee, Ramen, Pricelizer, and Kivvik rely on Aura for its functionalities.Phalcon:
Phalcon, the final framework on our list, is by far the fastest. It boasts an MVC architecture, a universal autoloader, asset management, low overhead costs, excellent security, and caching capabilities. Respected companies such as Outsmart, Marchy Auto, and Learny Online have achieved remarkable success with the use of Phalcon.
What factors should be considered when selecting among these PHP frameworks?
Developers should take into account their level of expertise and familiarity with the various PHP frameworks before settling on one for their project. While these frameworks may be easy to grasp, mastering them could be challenging. Thus, a thorough evaluation of the frameworks is necessary.
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