On this article, we’ll overview the perfect PHP frameworks to make use of in 2023. As a part of that, we’ll have a look at what a PHP framework is, when you need to think about using one, and what the primary advantages of utilizing a PHP framework are. We’ll additionally think about the perfect PHP framework for inexperienced persons, and the perfect frameworks for net improvement.
Contents
- What’s a PHP Framework?
- When to Use a PHP Framework
- Causes To not Use a PHP Framework
- High Advantages of PHP Frameworks
- Finest PHP Frameworks to Use
- Finest PHP Framework for Inexperienced persons
- Finest PHP Frameworks for Net Growth
- Conclusion
What’s a PHP Framework?
Earlier than we get into the advantages of utilizing PHP frameworks and that are the perfect PHP frameworks to make use of, we have to first perceive what a PHP framework is.
PHP is the world’s most used server-side language, and PHP frameworks have been round for a very long time and have taken totally different varieties and paradigms all through the years. They energy something from easy web sites to massive, advanced net purposes that handle thousands and thousands of registrations and every day visits.
PHP frameworks have been in use for many years now (Phplib, the primary PHP framework, dates from pre-2000), and so they’ve taken totally different varieties, however their principal goal has stayed principally the identical. That goal is: to assist PHP builders by offering units of generally used capabilities, in addition to libraries for frequent functionalities, and implement to using the perfect coding practices.
Consider a PHP framework as a skeleton that already gives a working system the place you may embed your code with out having to undergo each element from scratch. Want safe authentication? Already taken care of! Routing? Sure! Dependency injection? You guess!
Through the use of PHP frameworks, we will drastically scale back the quantity of code we have to write and enhance our effectivity, whereas additionally making certain a excessive stage of high quality because of the utilization of code requirements and finest practices. Exploring how a PHP framework capabilities can also be a great way to add to your PHP studying as you develop your improvement abilities.
When to Use a PHP Framework
Regardless that these days it will possibly look like nearly a no brainer for a PHP programmer to make use of a PHP framework in nearly each undertaking, there are various instances the place utilizing one won’t be the perfect thought. All of it will depend on the undertaking. More often than not, the dialogue facilities round what framework to make use of, when a whole lot of time the dialogue actually ought to focus on whether or not or not we should always use one in any respect.
To demystify this, let’s have a fast have a look at a few of the professionals and cons of utilizing a PHP Framework.
Causes To not Use a PHP Framework
It could be odd to speak concerning the cons of a PHP framework in an article about the perfect PHP frameworks, nevertheless it’s essential to grasp when utilizing a PHP framework won’t be the perfect thought.
Slower execution
A PHP framework will all the time add complexity and overhead to your PHP scripts. You’ll all the time should take into accounts that, earlier than even working a easy script, a PHP framework will all the time load some variety of courses and libraries earlier than working it.
So earlier than selecting a PHP framework, take into accounts the wants of your software. Typically the perfect answer is likely to be to only write some customized code on the lowest abstraction stage that can be quicker and fewer advanced than utilizing a framework.
Basic Options for particular issues
As we talked about earlier than, a framework gives a skeleton of libraries and performance that’s prepared to make use of and that ought to resolve the commonest issues a developer finds. Nevertheless, as PHP’s creator Rasmus Lerdorf has stated:
No one has a normal downside. Everybody has a really particular downside they’re attempting to resolve. And a general-purpose framework, whereas it will possibly resolve it, it often solves it in a means that you simply get so many different issues that you simply don’t want that finally ends up being performed on each request.
For this reason, once we’re selecting a framework, we must be cautious to grasp if it solves our downside, and solely after that ought to we verify if it matches the remainder of our wants.
Studying curve
Frameworks pull us in the direction of good, structured code and finest practices. However these take effort and time to study and grasp. If somebody picks up a framework and not using a strong information of it and the ideas behind it, likelihood is, we’ll find yourself with a giant mess as a substitute of structured code.
Restricted management
One factor we have now to grasp once we resolve to make use of a PHP framework is that we’re introducing an exterior dependency. With this, we’re accepting that the individuals accountable for the framework may cease supporting it at any time, or transfer its improvement in a distinct route. We additionally should take into accounts the time wanted to improve the framework to newer variations, and having to cope with all of the code updates that improve may carry.
The precise framework additionally introduces a brand new layer of abstraction into our code. Whereas many components of the framework are supposed to be custom-made, the framework core is often a black field that’s not meant to be touched. If we modify it, then we will’t depend on getting any help, and all future updates can be inconceivable to do with out a whole lot of rework.
These are a few of the downsides of utilizing a PHP framework. So, if we’re in a rush or our undertaking is small, it might be higher to not use a framework. As a substitute, we should always think about using a microframework (a framework the place performance is stripped to the naked minimal necessities), and even think about ranging from scratch utilizing some libraries we’re accustomed to.
High Advantages of PHP Frameworks
Whereas there are some nook instances the place utilizing a PHP framework isn’t the perfect answer for a selected downside, there are additionally a whole lot of advantages to utilizing one. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the advantages.
Faster improvement instances
A well-selected PHP framework already comprises implementations for the commonest issues one has to resolve constructed into it. And never solely that, it often gives a well-structured software structure — Mannequin-View-Controller (MVC) being the commonest — to information our improvement.
This manner, as a substitute of spending effort and time planning an software structure, evaluating the assorted libraries accessible, and implementing the structure from the bottom up, through the use of a framework we get a completely practical template and solely should concentrate on constructing the options particular to our undertaking.
Added to that, a whole lot of PHP frameworks additionally embody command-line instruments that assist generate automated code templates that may additional pace improvement.
Tighter safety
One of many largest issues when growing PHP purposes is safety. Most builders aren’t outfitted with all of the instruments or abilities wanted to create a safe PHP software. Through the use of a PHP framework, we’re utilizing options which are constantly examined, reviewed, and scrutinized by the PHP group. As a result of most of them are open supply, safety points are often rapidly observed and stuck.
Simpler collaboration
As builders, we should always know our options and implementations by coronary heart. However once we work in a crew, issues change. With out information of the design selections and full documentation of the codebase, crew members will discover it arduous to make use of and generally to grasp our software’s code.
Utilizing a PHP framework makes it simpler for brand spanking new builders to get began on the undertaking. Even when they’re not already accustomed to the framework, they’ll most likely have entry to finish documentation for it, along with a number of movies and tutorials on easy methods to use it throughout the Net. This manner, builders can concentrate on growing options as a substitute of regularly guiding new crew members all through the undertaking.
Finest PHP Frameworks to Use
The world of PHP frameworks has expanded quickly over the past decade. Frameworks have come and gone, and in the previous few years, we’ve seen some stabilization. With that, some frameworks have come up as the highest selections for many initiatives.
It’s troublesome to have a look at the ever-growing listing of PHP frameworks and select the perfect 5. Some can be higher for particular instances, and a few may have quicker studying curves or higher/worse group help. When creating a listing like this, we’re all these components and selecting those that carry out higher in a normal means. With that caveat out of the best way, let’s take a look on the high 5 PHP frameworks to make use of in 2023.
Notice: the main focus right here is on full-featured, general-purpose frameworks, relatively than domain-specific frameworks or microframeworks.
Laravel
From the Laravel web site:
Laravel makes an attempt to take the ache out of improvement by easing frequent duties used within the majority of net initiatives, corresponding to authentication, routing, classes, and caching … Laravel goals to make the event course of a lovely one for the developer with out sacrificing software performance.
Laravel might be probably the most used and really helpful PHP framework at this level. It was first launched in 2011 by Taylor Otwell in an try and create a extra superior different to CodeIgniter which, on the time, didn’t present options corresponding to authentication and authorization.
Laravel is a really intensive and feature-rich framework that follows the MVC sample and gives out-of-the-box functionalities corresponding to:
- authentication
- authorization
- electronic mail verification
- encryption
- hashing
- password reset
Relating to templating, Laravel makes use of the template engine Blade, and database interactions are coated by the Eloquent ORM. Laravel additionally makes use of the Artisan command-line instrument to assist pace up improvement.
Notice: ORM stands for object relational mapper. An ORM is a mechanism that makes it attainable to handle, entry and manipulate database objects with out having to contemplate how these objects relate to their knowledge sources. It’s basically a black field for the way the interplay with the database is finished.
Laravel can also be very simple to put in by means of Composer, or options just like the Homestead, Vagrant field or Laravel Valet.
Lastly, Laravel benchmarks because the quickest PHP Framework for many use instances. Altogether this makes Laravel the highest general-purpose framework, and it must be considered when deciding on a PHP framework on your subsequent undertaking.
If you wish to study extra about Laravel, you may take a look at the Laravel sources on SitePoint, or get proper into constructing a weblog utilizing Laravel.
Specs
- Launched: June 2011
- Present model: 9, launched on January 2022.
- Technical necessities: PHP >= 8 (or use Laravel Homestead)
- Set up:
composer create-project laravel/laravel your-app-name - Web site: laravel.com
- Documentation: Laravel docs
Symfony
Symfony might be checked out from two totally different views. It’s a PHP framework, and it’s additionally a group of PHP elements for constructing net purposes. Due to this versatility, Symfony is extremely scalable. You’ll be able to both work with all the framework or simply select a few elements that fit your use instances. It may be as easy or as difficult because it must be, and the proof that Symfony is certainly an awesome piece of software program is that almost all different PHP frameworks use Symfony elements within the background.
Symfony makes use of the Doctrine ORM for database interactions and Twig as a templating engine. It additionally has its personal CLI instrument to assist with improvement.
SitePoint has a pleasant assortment of Symfony articles that may get you up to the mark right here.
Specs
- Launched: 2005
- Present model: 6.1.5, launched on Might 2022
- Technical necessities: PHP >= 8
- Set up:
composer create-project symfony/skeleton:"6.1.*" my_project_directory - Web site: symfony.com
- Documentation: Symfony docs
One other factor to contemplate when each Laravel and Symfony is that each have enormous communities of builders actively utilizing them and growing for them. Coaching in each is broadly accessible, and the documentation on each is absolutely good and intensive.
CakePHP
The thought behind CakePHP was to have a framework for net improvement that centered on speedy improvement that made constructing net purposes easier and quicker, and that required much less code. The thought was to make use of conventions over configuration to allow quick work, with out making a whole lot of selections up entrance. This implies there aren’t any XML or YAML recordsdata.
CakePHP has its built-in ORM, and when it comes to templates, it makes use of its personal file format (.ctp) that makes use of another PHP syntax to manage its constructions and outputs.
Similar to the opposite frameworks, CakePHP implements safety features corresponding to encryption, password hashing, safeguarding kind knowledge, and CSRF safety.
Regardless that its group isn’t as massive and vibrant because the Laravel group, there are nonetheless loads of sources and occasions for CakePHP builders taking place throughout.
Specs
- Launched: 2005
- Present model: 4.4, launched on August 2022
- Technical necessities: PHP >= 7.4
- Set up:
composer create-project --prefer-dist cakephp/app:~4.0 my_app_name - Web site: cakephp.org
- Documentation: CakePHP docs
CodeIgniter
Similar to CakePHP, CodeIgniter was created to be a speedy improvement MVC framework with minimal configuration. However its creators took that to the subsequent stage.
CodeIgniter has a really small footprint (1.2MB obtain) which suggests there’s little or no bloat and it’s additionally actually quick.
Regardless that CodeIgniter doesn’t come bundled with an ORM, it has a full-featured and really quick abstracted database class that helps each conventional constructions and query-builder patterns. The identical for templates: regardless that we will use an exterior templating engine or plain PHP, CodeIgniter has a Template class that can be utilized.
Specs
- Launched: 2006
- Present model: 4.1, launched on February 2022
- Technical necessities: PHP >= 7.4
- Set up:
composer create-project codeigniter4/appstarter your-app-name - Web site: codeigniter.com
- Documentation: CodeIgniter docs
FuelPHP
FuelPHP is the youngest framework on this listing. It’s launched with the next proposition:
The Gasoline PHP Framework is a quick, easy, and versatile PHP 5.4+ framework, born from the perfect concepts of different frameworks, with a recent begin!
FuelPHP is filled with “new” ideas and paradigms — such because the utilization of HMVC (Hierarchal Mannequin View Controller) as a substitute of simply MVC. HMVC gives higher code group, larger modularity, extra extensibility, and encourages code reuse.
FuelPHP gives its personal ORM and command-line instrument and has a small however very enthusiastic group. Regardless that FuelPHP is the youngest of the frameworks introduced, it’s positively a alternative to contemplate.
Specs
- Launched: 2014
- Present model: 1.9, launched in December 2021
- Technical necessities: PHP >= 5.3
- Set up:
composer create-project gas/gas --prefer-dist . - Web site: fuelphp.com
- Documentation: FuelPHP docs
Finest PHP Framework for Inexperienced persons
You’ll be able to study to make use of a framework whilst you’re starting to study PHP. For inexperienced persons trying to begin utilizing a PHP framework, the standards for selecting a PHP framework are somewhat totally different from these of established builders. Regardless that a few of the matters might overlap, when trying to get their toes moist on this matter, inexperienced persons want to have a look at the issues like these:
- simplicity and set up of the framework
- documentation
- flexibility
- finest practices (MVC, PSR compatibility)
- reputation
With this in thoughts, we’ve compiled the highest three frameworks that not solely are simple to put in and have nice documentation and communities, however that additionally give inexperienced persons the perfect alternative for studying and progress.
Laravel
Due to its nice group and documentation, Laravel might be the perfect framework for getting began. It’s versatile sufficient to be simple to make use of even in a easy use case, in addition to for giant and sophisticated purposes. It should additionally set each developer on the trail of programming in line with finest practices of coding and testing.
Yii2
A framework we haven’t checked out it but is the Yii2 framework. This can be a nice alternative for these simply beginning out. It has a pretty easy instruction handbook that may get builders up and working pretty rapidly.
Regardless that Yii2 is sort of a big framework, it has excellent efficiency and it gives two choices of program frames upon set up: primary and superior.
The principle distinction between the 2 (apart from the folder construction) is that the superior template has a working consumer authentication system, whereas the essential one has the customers hardcoded within the consumer mannequin.
At first, builders can begin with much less code bloat to get the hold of the framework, and after that, they’ll use the 2 variations to check and hopefully learn to construct a correct authentication system.
We haven’t added Yii2 to our listing above, as a result of we needed to select the highest 5 framework selections for 2023. Yii2 is a high contender and is on par with different frameworks like CakePHP or CodeIgniter.
Symfony
Symfony is sort of a big and sophisticated framework. So why can we listing it right here beneath the perfect frameworks for inexperienced persons?
Symfony is all about modularity. Due to all of the unbiased constructing blocks in Symfony, we will make it as small and easy or as massive and sophisticated as we would like.
Additionally, remember that a whole lot of fashionable PHP frameworks use Symfony elements within the background. By studying these elements in Symfony, we’re making certain we’re studying different frameworks too.
Due to this tutorial on the Symfony web site, we will learn to construct a PHP framework through the use of totally different Symfony elements. This can be a nice train for inexperienced persons, because it provides a correct understanding of what’s taking place within the background of most PHP frameworks.
A fast word on microframeworks
Microframeworks — corresponding to Fats Free Framework or Slim — are additionally excellent beginning factors for inexperienced persons. They nonetheless use the identical programming and architectural paradigms as their older siblings, however they strip the performance all the way down to a naked minimal.
Through the use of them, we will study the necessities (MVC, entrance controller, routers, dependency injection, and so forth) earlier than shifting on to extra particular ideas.
The one downside with microframeworks is that, as a result of they provide a really restricted quantity of performance, we might discover ourselves needing to put in new elements or switching frameworks very quick.
Finest PHP Frameworks for Net Growth
As we’ve seen, there’s actually no such factor as the perfect framework for net improvement. What exists is the perfect framework for a selected use case. Think about three of the commonest use instances:
- massive enterprise platforms
- speedy prototyping
- REST APIs
We are able to say that, for giant enterprise initiatives which have a whole lot of performance and massive groups engaged on them, frameworks like Laravel and Symfony are the perfect suited, as they supply a whole lot of performance out of the field, a giant group of customers, top-level coaching, and dependable help.
Within the case of speedy prototyping, frameworks like CakePHP and CodeIgniter are the perfect choices, as they had been created for that goal. Prototypes and smaller net platforms profit from the convenience of use and direct method from these frameworks.
And eventually, when it comes to REST APIs, microframeworks like Slim are the higher suited, as they’re already light-weight and really fast and straightforward to make use of and perceive. On the finish of the day, elements for routing, middleware and dependency injection are all we have to get a REST API going.
With this in thoughts make, we have to be positive what our undertaking is all about earlier than selecting a PHP framework, as every framework has its personal strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
I hope you loved this deep dive into the perfect PHP frameworks for 2023. Earlier than I end, I’d like to depart you with some fast ideas to remember when working with PHP frameworks:
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There’s no such factor as the perfect framework for all initiatives. A framework is just good if it solves your issues.
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When selecting a framework, earlier than making a call, be sure the framework is supported, up to date commonly, and has a very good group behind it.
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Experiment! Be sure to’re comfy and revel in working with the framework you’ve chosen. There’s no level working with “the perfect” framework when you’re depressing working with it.
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By no means cease studying! The extra you experiment with frameworks and kick the tires, the extra you’ll study PHP. To that finish, take a look at SitePoint Premium, which has tons of studying sources and a variety of plans ranging from utterly free!
FAQs About PHP Frameworks
What’s a PHP framework?
A PHP framework is a group of pre-written code, instruments, and libraries that present a structured approach to construct net purposes and web sites utilizing PHP. It goals to streamline the event course of by providing reusable elements and imposing coding requirements.
Why use a PHP framework?
PHP frameworks simplify and speed up net improvement by selling code group, modularization, and adherence to finest practices. They typically embody options like ORM (Object-Relational Mapping), modular element system, templating engines, and built-in safety measures, enhancing productiveness and maintainability.
Which PHP framework ought to I select?
The selection of a PHP framework will depend on your undertaking necessities, crew experience, and private preferences. Some standard PHP frameworks embody Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, Yii, and Zend. Consider every primarily based on components like documentation, group help, and options to make an knowledgeable choice.
What’s MVC structure, and why is it essential in PHP frameworks?
MVC (Mannequin-View-Controller) is a design sample that separates an software into three interconnected elements: Mannequin (knowledge and enterprise logic), View (presentation layer), and Controller (handles consumer enter and updates the mannequin/view). PHP frameworks typically observe MVC, selling code group, maintainability, and scalability.
Is there a steep studying curve related to PHP frameworks?
Sure, there’s a studying curve when adopting a brand new PHP framework. Nevertheless, many frameworks present complete documentation, tutorials, and group help to facilitate the educational course of. Familiarity with PHP and MVC ideas can ease the transition.
PHP frameworks typically embody built-in safety features corresponding to enter validation, output escaping, CSRF (Cross-Web site Request Forgery) safety, and safe authentication mechanisms. Following the framework’s finest practices and maintaining it up to date are important for sustaining a safe net software.
What element primarily based PHP framework is finest?
It’s price having a look at Laminas (previously Zend Framework) when you’re on the lookout for a element primarily based PHP framework.
