The Best PHP Frameworks for 2024

On this article, we’ll evaluation one of the best PHP frameworks to make use of in 2023. As a part of that, we’ll take 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 one of the best PHP framework for newcomers, and one of the best frameworks for net growth.

Contents

1. What is a PHP Framework?
2. When to Use a PHP Framework
3. Reasons Not to Use a PHP Framework
4. Top Benefits of PHP Frameworks
5. Best PHP Frameworks to Use
6. Best PHP Framework for Beginners
7. Best PHP Frameworks for Web Development
8. Conclusion

What’s a PHP Framework?

Earlier than we get into the advantages of utilizing PHP frameworks and that are one of the best 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 types and paradigms all through the years. They energy something from easy web sites to massive, complicated net functions 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), they usually’ve taken totally different types, however their important objective has stayed largely the identical. That objective is: to assist PHP builders by offering units of generally used capabilities, in addition to libraries for frequent functionalities, and implement to the usage of one of the best coding practices.

Consider a PHP framework as a skeleton that already offers a working system the place you’ll be able to 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!

By utilizing PHP frameworks, we are able to drastically scale back the quantity of code we have to write and enhance our effectivity, whereas additionally making certain a excessive degree of high quality because of the utilization of code requirements and greatest practices. Exploring how a PHP framework capabilities can also be a great way to add to your PHP learning as you develop your growth expertise.

When to Use a PHP Framework

Although these days it may well appear to be virtually a no brainer for a PHP programmer to make use of a PHP framework in virtually each mission, there are various instances the place utilizing one won’t be one of the best thought. All of it depends upon the mission. More often than not, the dialogue facilities round what framework to make use of, when a number of time the dialogue actually ought to focus on whether or not or not we must always use one in any respect.

To demystify this, let’s have a fast take a look at a few of the execs 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 one of the best PHP frameworks, nevertheless it’s necessary to know when utilizing a PHP framework won’t be one of the best thought.

Slower execution

A PHP framework will all the time add complexity and overhead to your PHP scripts. You’ll all the time must 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 utility. Generally one of the best resolution may be to only write some customized code on the lowest abstraction degree that can be quicker and fewer complicated than utilizing a framework.

Normal Options for particular issues

As we talked about earlier than, a framework offers a skeleton of libraries and performance that’s prepared to make use of and that ought to resolve the most typical issues a developer finds. Nonetheless, as PHP’s creator Rasmus Lerdorf has said:

No person has a basic downside. Everybody has a really particular downside they’re making an attempt to resolve. And a general-purpose framework, whereas it may well resolve it, it often solves it in a manner that you simply get so many different issues that you simply don’t want that finally ends up being carried out on each request.

Because of this, after we’re selecting a framework, we needs to be cautious to know if it solves our downside, and solely after that ought to we examine if it matches the remainder of our wants.

Studying curve

Frameworks pull us in direction of good, structured code and greatest practices. However these take effort and time to be taught and grasp. If somebody picks up a framework with no stable 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’ve got to know after we determine to make use of a PHP framework is that we’re introducing an exterior dependency. With this, we’re accepting that the folks in command of the framework would possibly cease supporting it at any time, or transfer its growth in a distinct path. We additionally must take into accounts the time wanted to improve the framework to newer variations, and having to take care of all of the code updates that improve would possibly deliver.

The precise framework additionally introduces a brand new layer of abstraction into our code. Whereas many components of the framework are supposed to be personalized, the framework core is often a black field that’s not meant to be touched. If we modify it, then we are able to’t depend on getting any assist, and all future updates can be not possible to do with out a number of rework.

These are a few of the downsides of utilizing a PHP framework. So, if we’re in a rush or our mission is small, it could be higher to not use a framework. As an alternative, we must 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 conversant in.

Prime Advantages of PHP Frameworks

Whereas there are some nook instances the place utilizing a PHP framework isn’t one of the best resolution for a selected downside, there are additionally a number of advantages to utilizing one. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the advantages.

Faster growth instances

A well-selected PHP framework already incorporates implementations for the most typical issues one has to resolve constructed into it. And never solely that, it often offers a well-structured utility structure — Mannequin-View-Controller (MVC) being the most typical — to information our growth.

This fashion, as a substitute of spending effort and time planning an utility structure, evaluating the varied libraries accessible, and implementing the structure from the bottom up, through the use of a framework we get a completely purposeful template and solely must give attention to constructing the options particular to our mission.

Added to that, a number of PHP frameworks additionally embrace command-line instruments that assist generate computerized code templates that may additional velocity growth.

Tighter safety

One of many greatest issues when growing PHP functions is safety. Most builders aren’t geared up with all of the instruments or expertise wanted to create a safe PHP utility. By utilizing 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 shortly observed and stuck.

Simpler collaboration

As builders, we must always know our options and implementations by coronary heart. However after we work in a staff, issues change. With out information of the design selections and full documentation of the codebase, staff members will discover it onerous to make use of and typically to know our utility’s code.

Utilizing a PHP framework makes it simpler for brand spanking new builders to get began on the mission. Even when they’re not already conversant in the framework, they’ll in all probability 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 fashion, builders can give attention to growing options as a substitute of continually guiding new staff members all through the mission.

Greatest PHP Frameworks to Use

The world of PHP frameworks has expanded quickly during the last decade. Frameworks have come and gone, and in the previous couple of years, we’ve seen some stabilization. With that, some frameworks have come up as the highest selections for many tasks.

It’s tough to have a look at the ever-growing record of PHP frameworks and select one of the best 5. Some can be higher for particular instances, and a few could have quicker studying curves or higher/worse group assist. When creating a listing like this, we’re all these components and choosing those that carry out higher in a basic manner. With that caveat out of the best way, let’s take a look on the prime 5 PHP frameworks to make use of in 2023.

Notice: the main focus right here is on full-featured, general-purpose frameworks, fairly than domain-specific frameworks or microframeworks.

Laravel

From the Laravel website:

Laravel makes an attempt to take the ache out of growth by easing frequent duties used within the majority of net tasks, equivalent to authentication, routing, periods, and caching … Laravel goals to make the event course of a lovely one for the developer with out sacrificing utility performance.

Laravel might be probably the most used and beneficial PHP framework at this level. It was first launched in 2011 by Taylor Otwell in an try and create a extra superior various to CodeIgniter which, on the time, didn’t present options equivalent to authentication and authorization.

Laravel is a really in depth and feature-rich framework that follows the MVC sample and offers out-of-the-box functionalities equivalent to:

• authentication
• authorization
• electronic mail verification
• encryption
• hashing
• password reset

In the case of templating, Laravel makes use of the template engine Blade, and database interactions are lined by the Eloquent ORM. Laravel additionally makes use of the Artisan command-line instrument to assist velocity up growth.

Notice: ORM stands for object relational mapper. An ORM is a mechanism that makes it potential to deal with, 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 needs to be considered when choosing a PHP framework in your subsequent mission.

If you wish to be taught extra about Laravel, you’ll be able to try the Laravel resources on Pylogix, or get proper into building a blog using 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 will be checked out from two totally different views. It’s a PHP framework, and it’s additionally a set of PHP parts for constructing net functions. Because of this versatility, Symfony is extremely scalable. You may both work with your complete framework or simply select a few parts 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 amazing piece of software program is that the majority different PHP frameworks use Symfony parts within the background.

Symfony makes use of the Doctrine ORM for database interactions and Twig as a templating engine. It additionally has its own CLI instrument to assist with growth.

Pylogix has a pleasant assortment of Symfony articles that may get you on top of things here.

Specs

• Launched: 2005
• Present model: 6.1.5, launched on Could 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 in depth.

CakePHP

The thought behind CakePHP was to have a framework for net growth that targeted on fast growth that made constructing net functions less complicated 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 number of selections up entrance. This implies there are not any XML or YAML information.

CakePHP has its built-in ORM, and by way of templates, it makes use of its personal file format (.ctp) that makes use of another PHP syntax to regulate its buildings and outputs.

Similar to the opposite frameworks, CakePHP implements security measures equivalent to encryption, password hashing, safeguarding type knowledge, and CSRF safety.

Although its group isn’t as massive and vibrant because the Laravel group, there are nonetheless loads of assets and occasions for CakePHP builders occurring 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 fast growth MVC framework with minimal configuration. However its creators took that to the following degree.

CodeIgniter has a really small footprint (1.2MB obtain) which suggests there’s little or no bloat and it’s additionally actually quick.

Although CodeIgniter doesn’t come bundled with an ORM, it has a full-featured and really quick abstracted database class that helps each conventional buildings and query-builder patterns. The identical for templates: although we are able to 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 record. It’s introduced with the next proposition:

The Gasoline PHP Framework is a quick, easy, and versatile PHP 5.4+ framework, born from one of the best concepts of different frameworks, with a contemporary begin!

FuelPHP is stuffed with “new” ideas and paradigms — such because the utilization of HMVC (Hierarchal Model View Controller) as a substitute of simply MVC. HMVC offers higher code group, better modularity, extra extensibility, and encourages code reuse.

FuelPHP offers its personal ORM and command-line instrument and has a small however very enthusiastic group. Although FuelPHP is the youngest of the frameworks offered, it’s undoubtedly 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

Greatest PHP Framework for Learners

You may be taught to make use of a framework at the same time as you’re beginning to learn PHP. For newcomers seeking to begin utilizing a PHP framework, the factors for selecting a PHP framework are a little bit totally different from these of established builders. Although a few of the subjects could overlap, when seeking to get their toes moist on this subject, newcomers want to have a look at the issues like these:

• simplicity and set up of the framework
• documentation
• flexibility
• greatest practices (MVC, PSR compatibility)
• recognition

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 newcomers one of the best alternative for learning and growth.

Laravel

Because of its nice group and documentation, Laravel might be one of the best 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 large and sophisticated functions. It is going to additionally set each developer on the trail of programming in accordance with greatest 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 fairly simple instruction manual that may get builders up and working pretty shortly.

Although Yii2 is sort of a big framework, it has superb efficiency and it offers 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 person authentication system, whereas the essential one has the customers hardcoded within the person 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 record above, as a result of we needed to select the highest 5 framework selections for 2023. Yii2 is a prime 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 record it right here underneath one of the best frameworks for newcomers?

Symfony is all about modularity. Because of all of the impartial constructing blocks in Symfony, we are able to make it as small and easy or as massive and sophisticated as we would like.

Additionally, remember that a number of fashionable PHP frameworks use Symfony parts within the background. By studying these parts in Symfony, we’re making certain we’re studying different frameworks too.

Because of this tutorial on the Symfony web site, we are able to learn to construct a PHP framework through the use of totally different Symfony parts. This can be a nice train for newcomers, because it provides a correct understanding of what’s occurring within the background of most PHP frameworks.

A fast observe on microframeworks

Microframeworks — equivalent to Fat Free Framework or Slim — are additionally superb beginning factors for newcomers. 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.

By utilizing them, we are able to be taught the necessities (MVC, entrance controller, routers, dependency injection, and so forth) earlier than transferring 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 could discover ourselves needing to put in new parts or switching frameworks very quick.

Greatest PHP Frameworks for Net Growth

As we’ve seen, there’s actually no such factor as one of the best framework for net growth. What exists is one of the best framework for a selected use case. Think about three of the most typical use instances:

• massive enterprise platforms
• fast prototyping
• REST APIs

We will say that, for large enterprise tasks which have a number of performance and massive groups engaged on them, frameworks like Laravel and Symfony are one of the best suited, as they supply a number of performance out of the field, a giant group of customers, top-level coaching, and dependable assist.

Within the case of fast prototyping, frameworks like CakePHP and CodeIgniter are one of the best choices, as they had been created for that objective. Prototypes and smaller net platforms profit from the convenience of use and direct method from these frameworks.

And eventually, by way of 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, parts for routing, middleware and dependency injection are all we have to get a REST API going.

With this in thoughts make, we should be positive what our mission 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 one of the best PHP frameworks for 2023. Earlier than I end, I’d like to go away you with some fast ideas to bear in mind when working with PHP frameworks:

• There’s no such factor as one of the best framework for all tasks. A framework is simply good if it solves your issues.

• When selecting a framework, earlier than making a choice, be certain that the framework is supported, up to date recurrently, and has a great group behind it.

• Experiment! Ensure you’re comfy and luxuriate in working with the framework you’ve chosen. There’s no level working with “one of the best” framework in case you’re depressing working with it.

• By no means cease studying! The extra you experiment with frameworks and kick the tires, the extra you’ll learn about PHP. To that finish, take a look at Pylogix Premium, which has tons of studying assets and a range of plans ranging from fully free!

FAQs About PHP Frameworks