Last updated on May 23rd, 2023
Contrary to popular belief, PHP is still a popular programming language. It is a popular choice among programmers and is preferred over ASP.NET. Of all websites, it is used more than 79 percent.
Let’s discuss its definition, importance, and some Popular PHP Frameworks.
Basics about PHP Framework
The open-source language PHP is the foundation of a PHP framework, which comes with built-in functionality to enhance the software development lifecycle. These capabilities speed up development and enhance team performance by lightening the engineers’ burden.
Since PHP has existed for a long time, it is durable. PHP is a staple in the development world for everything from application and web development to computer programming. Developers use it to make desktop programs, video games, command-line scripts, automated test services, and much more.
PHP frameworks are essentially platforms you may use to create websites and web apps based on PHP. A PHP framework provides a safe space for our project to begin.Â
To decrease the amount of coding performed manually, you’ll need to perform frameworks, including libraries containing the frequently used PHP functions.Â
What do the top Popular PHP Frameworks do? The most effective PHP frameworks offer clean, reusable code. Such code can make the project readily scalable, allowing it to expand along with you.Â
The best PHP frameworks can assist you in completing your project fast and effectively, whether you are a novice or experienced.
Things you should know before using Popular PHP Frameworks
PHP itself is the first thing you should know before diving deep into the language. Having a decent command over the language has its benefits. Work on building some PHP applications as well.
Basic knowledge of MVC. Model-View-Controller, sometimes known as MVC, is a software development pattern where the business logic is maintained apart from the representation logic (View) (Model and Controller).
In other words, the Controller contains all of the application’s logic, the Model communicates with the database, and the view represents client’s point of view.
Since most contemporary PHP frameworks are object-oriented, understanding object-oriented PHP is also essential. Aspects like objects, classes, inheritance, functions, characteristics, and access modifiers should all be understood.
You should know records and SQL syntax because many web apps link to databases. When utilizing a PHP framework, it helps to use a command-line interface or CLI comfortably. The CLI for Laravel is called Artisan Console.Â
You can easily create models, interfaces, and other project components by employing the make statement in Artisan.
Engaging with a PHP framework for software development teams has a few downsides. as well. The first is a rise in programming limitations, yet, using PHP without a framework opens up a world of possibilities. The drawback is that your goals will require much more manual programming due to increased programming complexity.
Another challenge is that a learning curve is associated with using and interacting with each framework. Although this is not quite as challenging as learning an entirely new programming language, it is still worth considering.
Important Article: Laravel Framework: PHP Developers Trusted Framework
8 Most Popular PHP Frameworks- The complete list
1. Slim
Slim is a popular PHP micro-framework that makes creating APIs and online apps simple but effective. Slim is indeed a micro-framework for accepting and responding to HTTP requests that have been condensed to just the capabilities that are necessary to allow primary usage.
Slim is best suited for creating tiny apps and APIs since it has no third-party dependencies, which makes it a rapid framework. This framework, regarded as one of the greatest PHP frameworks available, is simple to use and set up and will have you ready to type “Hi there” in a matter of minutes.
2. Laravel
The next name on our list of Popular PHP Frameworks is Laravel. Web Artisans highly prefer it. Taylor Otwell created it in June 2011 because he desired a framework with features like user authentication that CodeIgniter lacked.
You can get a great development environment with Laravel Homestead, an official pre-packaged Vagrant box, without having to set up PHP, a web server, or any other application server on your computer. No need to be concerned about damaging your operating system anymore!
3. Symfony
It is a full-stack, contemporary PHP framework made for businesses. Why does that matter? It provides you with the critical building blocks required to develop unique solutions for your company’s requirements. It makes it simple for you to build precisely per your requirements by providing you with the fundamentals.
If you want to create something that customers can connect with while on the road from their mobile devices, Symfony is a terrific option. Of course, you might adopt a mobile strategy and create a mobile app that allows you access to contact lists and phone sensors, but most online apps don’t have such requirements.
4. CodeIgniter
A small-footprint framework called CodeIgniter is renowned for its simple installation process and limited configuration requirements. CodeIgniter is a straightforward yet effective programming language with a minimal 2MB footprint that incorporates documentation. It is ideal for creating dynamic websites since it provides a wide range of prebuilt modules that facilitate the creation of robust and reusable components.
Although CodeIgniter supports and promotes the usage of MVC design, you may use different architectures without any issues.
Compared to other frameworks of a similar nature, CodeIgniter is relatively simple to install.
5. Zend Framework
The Laminas Project is replacing the long-standing PHP framework known as the Zend Framework. Zend is not being updated. Hence switching to Laminas is strongly advised. It was launched in March 2006 and came under Popular PHP Frameworks.
There have been over 560 million installs of the Zend Framework. It’s also the PHP framework that businesses utilize the most.
Because Zend adheres to the standards set up by PHP-FIG, its code may easily be transferred to other frameworks. You may utilize the components you require, similar to Symfony.
Zend may be used to create RESTful APIs.The Laminas community maintains a forum and Slack channel for cooperation and assistance.
6. Phalcon
Another PHP framework built on the MVC paradigm is called Phalcon. It is a fully open-source, speedy PHP programming language and was introduced in 2012. It is undoubtedly one of the swiftest frameworks, and it was written in C and PHP.Â
In addition, it is infamous for being the initial PHP framework to use Object Relational Mapping in C.
Phalcon is simple to install and can handle any project type up to an enterprise level; it does not require the knowledge of any C programming languages. However, be aware that the developers frequently take time to release security patches in response to reported difficulties. This can stop your effort or need “hacky” remedies.
7. Yii
Yii is a component-based, high-performance PHP framework for creating contemporary web applications quickly. The Chinese name Yii, pronounced Yee or [ji:], translates to “simple and evolving.” Another way to think of it is as an abbreviation for “Yes, It Is!”
Yii was created to be component-based and appropriate for every online application type, including but not limited to CMS, e-commerce, and now even SPAs. It is the ideal tool for almost any team since it provides outstanding assistance and is adaptable.
8. FuelPHP
FuelPHP is a versatile and extensible PHP framework that, in terms of framework design, supports both the fundamental Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern and its replacement, the Hierarchical-Model-View-Controller (HMVC). To store the logic necessary for the production of views, it additionally inserts an optional class called the Presenter class (formerly known as ViewModel) between both the View and Controller layers.
With an emphasis on security, the FuelPHP framework addresses the issues with various capabilities, including inputs and URI filtering as well as output encoding. The HMVC version, URL navigation mechanism, caching structure, and vulnerability prevention are just a few of the additional features included with the framework. End-to-end web applications of various sizes and complexity may be delivered using FuelPHP.
Related Article: 5 Must-Known PHP Frameworks For Businesses
Do You Want to Know More about Popular PHP Frameworks?
The above were a few of the PHP frameworks. When getting a website developed for the first time. Do consult professional developers and then choose the frameworks. As different requirements will be different, the framework.
