Frameworks you need to know right now for PHP

Time is money in the software business. With globalized competition in every niche, the pressure is on to get a product to market fast, as seizing the first-mover advantage is crucial to success. 

To save time, most successful companies have their programmers use frameworks rather than having them crank out code from scratch. This makes sense, as this reduces costly mistakes, standardizes work flow, and frees up hours spent on repetitive work.

Which frameworks are best for programmers? 

Frameworks can be applied to any programming language – PHP is no different. Having one in place when programming in this language can save enormous amounts of time and grief – below, we’ll look at a few that can help radically increase productivity.

Laravel

Laravel is a very popular tool among PHP coders thanks to its well-constructed syntax and easy to understand interface. This helps programmers to cache/queue websites or send an authentication prompt faster than if they had to create the relevant code on their own.

Its immense popularity has created a large community around this application. Any coder that runs into a roadblock need only ask a question or search numerous discussion forums to get the answer they need to move forward.

Because of these advantages, Laravel has been used to construct the back end of web applications and websites for everything from app developers to major corporations. As such, every PHP coder should have a shortcut to this program on their workstation.   

Symfony

Although this interface can be confusing for some, Symfony is a powerful software development tool in the hands of experienced developers. Take Drupal for example, as this popular content management platform had its later versions built with the help of reusable PHP components that are included within this framework.

Like Laravel, its widespread utilization means Symfony has a dedicated community of programmers who swear by it. This is good news for neophytes, as there are active communities online that can help overcome the initial confusion caused by processes such as object configuration, routing, and others. 

CodeIgniter

Any programmer starting out in web development can get intimidated by what is expected of them in the workplace. Thankfully, CodeIgniter has simplified the process of programming in PHP to the point where most new users will feel confident about their coding within a matter of days.

This is possible due to libraries which make mundane tasks like writing SQL queries far simpler than it is by hand. For most basic websites, users of CodeIgniter need only copy and paste the code from these libraries and make modifications where necessary.

With numerous plugins like Dataspark – which makes database creation a breeze – it is useful for a wide variety of web development tasks. Because of its user-friendly interface and its flexibility, CodeIgniter also has a large following. This facilitates learning even more, as a simple Google search turns up scores of tutorials created by CodeIgniter enthusiasts.

CakePHP

Though less known compared to other PHP frameworks, CakePHP is lauded by programmers for its simplicity. Though it lacks the complexity of Laravel and Symfony, its simplified nature makes it a great framework for beginner coders to learn at the start of their programming career.

This doesn’t mean it can’t tackle major projects, though – programmers have used CakePHP to create visually stunning websites for major corporations like Sainsbury Bank in the United Kingdom. However, many experienced coders opt to switch to more flexible, powerful frameworks for more complicated projects after learning this program. 

Zend

Building websites and applications for large enterprises? Programmers in these environments love Zend, as it has features designed to cater to their specific needs. This framework uses object-oriented programming methods, making it easier to manage extraordinarily long strings of code that often found in the back end of enterprise applications.

With components that allow coders to encrypt client data, insert forms with ease, and validate programs quickly, Zend is perfect for programmers who need to get their work done quickly and efficiently.

Professional coders need to get comfortable with multiple frameworks

Leaving programmers to their own devices is a risky proposition. If they write messy, difficult to understand code, those that come after them may not know where to begin when the time comes to modify it.

After running into these issues, many companies have adopted frameworks that their coders must follow. When posting ‘Help Wanted’ ads, HR lists these standards in the requirements they want in a successful applicant.   

Not all businesses are on the same page, though – some prefer CodeIgniter, while others use Symfony for their programming needs. Having a background in multiple frameworks is essential not just for those hoping to join the workforce, but as a professional. By familiarizing themselves with the most popular frameworks, mid-career coders can maximize their employment options.