What Are the Best PHP Frameworks for 2024? — Pylogix

On this article, we’ll assessment the perfect 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 contemplate the perfect PHP framework for newcomers, and the perfect 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 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 completely different types and paradigms all through the years. They energy something from easy web sites to large, complicated net functions that handle hundreds of thousands of registrations and day by 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 completely different types, however their important objective has stayed principally the identical. That objective is: to assist PHP builders by offering units of generally used features, in addition to libraries for frequent functionalities, and implement to the usage of the perfect coding practices.

Consider a PHP framework as a skeleton that already gives 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 wager!

Through the use of PHP frameworks, we will drastically cut back the quantity of code we have to write and enhance our effectivity, whereas additionally guaranteeing a excessive stage of high quality as a result of utilization of code requirements and finest practices. Exploring how a PHP framework features can be a great way to add to your PHP learning as you develop your growth abilities.

When to Use a PHP Framework

Though these days it could appear to be virtually a no brainer for a PHP programmer to make use of a PHP framework in virtually each challenge, there are various instances the place utilizing one won’t be the perfect concept. All of it relies on the challenge. 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 should always use one in any respect.

To demystify this, let’s have a fast take a look at a number of the professionals and cons of utilizing a PHP Framework.

Causes To not Use a PHP Framework

It could be odd to speak in regards to the cons of a PHP framework in an article about the perfect PHP frameworks, nevertheless it’s necessary to know when utilizing a PHP framework won’t be the perfect concept.

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 the perfect answer is perhaps to only write some customized code on the lowest abstraction stage that will probably be quicker and fewer complicated 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 clear up the most typical issues a developer finds. Nonetheless, as PHP’s creator Rasmus Lerdorf has said:

No person has a normal downside. Everybody has a really particular downside they’re making an attempt to resolve. And a general-purpose framework, whereas it could clear up it, it often solves it in a approach that you just get so many different issues that you just don’t want that finally ends up being executed on each request.

That is why, once we’re selecting a framework, we needs to be cautious to know if it solves our downside, and solely after that ought to we test if it suits the remainder of our wants.

Studying curve

Frameworks pull us in direction of good, structured code and finest practices. However these take effort and time to be taught and grasp. If somebody picks up a framework with out a stable information of it and the ideas behind it, chances are high, we’ll find yourself with an enormous mess as a substitute of structured code.

Restricted management

One factor we’ve to know once 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 answerable for the framework would possibly cease supporting it at any time, or transfer its growth in a unique 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 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 will probably be not possible to do with out a number of rework.

These are a number of the downsides of utilizing a PHP framework. So, if we’re in a rush or our challenge is small, it could be higher to not use a framework. As an alternative, we should always think about using a microframework (a framework the place performance is stripped to the naked minimal necessities), and even contemplate ranging from scratch utilizing some libraries we’re acquainted with.

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 number of advantages to utilizing one. Let’s take a better 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 gives a well-structured utility structure — Mannequin-View-Controller (MVC) being the most typical — to information our growth.

This manner, as a substitute of spending effort and time planning an utility structure, evaluating the assorted libraries obtainable, and implementing the structure from the bottom up, by utilizing a framework we get a completely practical template and solely must concentrate on constructing the options particular to our challenge.

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

Tighter safety

One of many greatest issues when growing PHP functions is safety. Most builders aren’t outfitted with all of the instruments or abilities wanted to create a safe PHP utility. Through the use of a PHP framework, we’re utilizing options which might be repeatedly examined, reviewed, and scrutinized by the PHP neighborhood. 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 staff, issues change. With out information of the design choices and full documentation of the codebase, staff members will discover it arduous to make use of and typically to know our utility’s code.

Utilizing a PHP framework makes it simpler for brand new builders to get began on the challenge. Even when they’re not already acquainted with the framework, they’ll in all probability have entry to finish documentation for it, along with a number of movies and tutorials on find out how to use it throughout the Internet. This manner, builders can concentrate on growing options as a substitute of regularly guiding new staff members all through the challenge.

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 decisions for many initiatives.

It’s tough to have a look at the ever-growing checklist of PHP frameworks and select the perfect 5. Some will probably be higher for particular instances, and a few could have quicker studying curves or higher/worse neighborhood help. When creating a listing like this, we’re taking a look at all these elements and selecting those that carry out higher in a normal approach. 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.

Observe: the main focus right here is on full-featured, general-purpose frameworks, somewhat 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 initiatives, corresponding 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 essentially the most used and beneficial PHP framework at this level. It was first launched in 2011 by Taylor Otwell in an try to create a extra superior various to CodeIgniter which, on the time, didn’t present options corresponding to authentication and authorization.

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

• authentication
• authorization
• e 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 software to assist velocity up growth.

Observe: 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 think about how these objects relate to their knowledge sources. It’s primarily a black field for the way the interplay with the database is completed.

Laravel can be very straightforward 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 challenge.

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 completely different views. It’s a PHP framework, and it’s additionally a group of PHP parts for constructing net functions. Because of this versatility, Symfony is very scalable. You’ll be able to both work with your entire framework or simply select a few parts that fit your use instances. It may be as easy or as sophisticated because it must be, and the proof that Symfony is certainly an awesome 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 software to assist with growth.

Pylogix has a pleasant assortment of Symfony articles that may get you up to the mark 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 think about when taking a look at each Laravel and Symfony is that each have enormous communities of builders actively utilizing them and growing for them. Coaching in each is broadly obtainable, and the documentation on each is basically 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 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 number of choices up entrance. This implies there aren’t any XML or YAML recordsdata.

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 manage its constructions and outputs.

Similar to the opposite frameworks, CakePHP implements safety features corresponding to encryption, password hashing, safeguarding type knowledge, and CSRF safety.

Though its neighborhood isn’t as large and vibrant because the Laravel neighborhood, there are nonetheless loads of assets 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 fast growth MVC framework with minimal configuration. However its creators took that to the following stage.

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

Though 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: despite the fact 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 checklist. It’s introduced with the next proposition:

The Gas PHP Framework is a quick, easy, and versatile PHP 5.4+ framework, born from the perfect 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 gives higher code group, higher modularity, extra extensibility, and encourages code reuse.

FuelPHP gives its personal ORM and command-line software and has a small however very enthusiastic neighborhood. Though FuelPHP is the youngest of the frameworks introduced, it’s positively a selection to think about.

Specs

• Launched: 2014
• Present model: 1.9, launched in December 2021
• Technical necessities: PHP >= 5.3
• Set up: composer create-project gasoline/gasoline --prefer-dist .
• Web site: fuelphp.com
• Documentation: FuelPHP docs

Greatest PHP Framework for Learners

You’ll be able to be taught to make use of a framework whilst 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 completely different from these of established builders. Though a number of the matters could overlap, when seeking to get their ft moist on this subject, newcomers 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 straightforward to put in and have nice documentation and communities, however that additionally give newcomers the perfect alternative for learning and growth.

Laravel

Because of its nice neighborhood and documentation, Laravel might be the perfect framework for getting began. It’s versatile sufficient to be straightforward to make use of even in a easy use case, in addition to for large and sophisticated functions. It should additionally set each developer on the trail of programming in response to 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 selection for these simply beginning out. It has a fairly simple instruction manual that may get builders up and working pretty rapidly.

Though Yii2 is kind of a big framework, it has superb efficiency and it gives two choices of program frames upon set up: fundamental and superior.

The principle distinction between the 2 (aside from the folder construction) is that the superior template has a working person authentication system, whereas the fundamental one has the customers hardcoded within the person mannequin.

At first, builders can begin with much less code bloat to get the cling of the framework, and after that, they’ll use the 2 variations to match and hopefully discover ways to construct a correct authentication system.

We haven’t added Yii2 to our checklist above, as a result of we wished to select the highest 5 framework decisions for 2023. Yii2 is a prime contender and is on par with different frameworks like CakePHP or CodeIgniter.

Symfony

Symfony is kind of a big and sophisticated framework. So why will we checklist it right here below the perfect frameworks for newcomers?

Symfony is all about modularity. Because of all of the impartial constructing blocks in Symfony, we will make it as small and easy or as large and sophisticated as we wish.

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

Because of this tutorial on the Symfony web site, we will discover ways to construct a PHP framework by utilizing completely different Symfony parts. This can be a nice train for newcomers, because it provides a correct understanding of what’s taking place within the background of most PHP frameworks.

A fast observe on microframeworks

Microframeworks — corresponding 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 right down to a naked minimal.

Through the use of them, we will 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 Internet Improvement

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

• large enterprise platforms
• fast prototyping
• REST APIs

We will say that, for large enterprise initiatives which have a number of performance and large groups engaged on them, frameworks like Laravel and Symfony are the perfect suited, as they supply a number of performance out of the field, an enormous neighborhood of customers, top-level coaching, and dependable help.

Within the case of fast prototyping, frameworks like CakePHP and CodeIgniter are the perfect choices, as they have been created for that objective. Prototypes and smaller net platforms profit from the benefit of use and direct strategy 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 certain what our challenge 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 bear in mind when working with PHP frameworks:

• There’s no such factor as the perfect framework for all initiatives. A framework is just good if it solves your issues.

• When selecting a framework, earlier than making a choice, make certain the framework is supported, up to date usually, and has neighborhood behind it.

• Experiment! Be sure you’re snug and luxuriate in working with the framework you’ve chosen. There’s no level working with “the perfect” 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 utterly free!

FAQs About PHP Frameworks