The popularity of using frameworks is rising with the rising demand for online solutions that fulfill modern business needs. Due to this, the PHP framework development has recently created a buzz in the market. However, the wide range of frameworks that are available in the market might get you confused in opting out of the best for your requirements.
According to statistical analysis, PHP is predicted to retain its position as the most widely used programming language with a 49.47% market share in 2023. Despite the emergence of newer programming languages like Python, Golang, JavaScript, and others, the demand for PHP remains high. This is due to the fact that over 70% of websites continue to be developed using PHP.
Worry not! This article is written with the aim to impart knowledge about the best PHP frameworks and their advantages. Also, the article covers the top 10 fastest PHP frameworks that are commonly used for developing web applications.
What is PHP Framework?
Before we switch to learning about the top PHP frameworks for web development, let us initiate by understanding the concept of the PHP framework. It is a platform that facilitates the creation of PHP web applications. What makes it a robust tool is the fact that it boasts a variety of pre-packaged functions and classes. The loaded libraries and software design pattern realization enriches the user experience towards accomplishing the purpose of web development.
It provides a basic structure that can be enhanced by developers by coding from scratch or integrating components from the existing libraries. There are various reasons that make PHP frameworks ideal for web development. Keep scrolling to discover a few of them in this article.
- It takes care of web development by eliminating the need for indulging in the repetitive aspects that are associated with web development.
- The procedures followed are tried and tested that eliminates any delay associated with inheriting any new experimental practices. PHP frameworks are loaded with essential features, tools, and codes that make them sufficient enough for speedy development.
- An astonishing fact about PHP frameworks is that can support a variety of platforms that includes desktop web applications as well as mobile-based applications without biasing on operating systems.
- Reduces the chances of collapse as is already mentioned the platform utilized is tried and tested not just once but with many projects.
- One important advantage of using PHP frameworks is that it eliminates the need for using SOL codes, allowing developers to use them with different databases without any hassle.
- After knowing about the advantages of top PHP frameworks, let us now have a look at the top fastest-growing PHP frameworks.
18 Best PHP Frameworks 2023 for Web Development
This section covers the best PHP frameworks that are relied upon for developing web applications. Make sure to read each of them.
Laravel
Laravel is an effective open-source PHP framework that offers a high level of customization while creating web applications. Experts claim the platform is a popular alternative for fast-paced development projects that do not compromise the security aspect of the web application.
It is a popular choice amongst web artisans as the platform saves effort and enhances convenience in the process of framework app development.
Symfony
Symfony is a reliable PHP framework that has completed over 15 years of its journey of being a foundation framework for many web applications. It is said to follow all PHP standards and for this reason, is also popular as a PHP MVC framework.
The platform is a level above many best PHP frameworks that are available in the market and gives a tough fight to the above-mentioned Laravel. Symfony can be used in conjunction with other projects adding flexibility to the framework.
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CodeIgniter
CodeIgniter was stated as one of the best PHP frameworks in 2023. The framework was first introduced in the year 2006 and has successfully powered tons of projects.
CodeIgniter is a PHP framework for web application development. It is known for its simplicity, speed, and small footprint, making it a popular choice for developers who are building small to medium-sized applications. CodeIgniter provides a lightweight and flexible structure that enables developers to build applications quickly and efficiently, while also following best practices and security guidelines. The framework is also highly modular, allowing developers to choose only the components they need for their specific project.
One of the main advantages of CodeIgniter is its ease of use, as it requires minimal configuration and has a shallow learning curve. This makes it a popular choice among developers who are new to PHP or who are looking to build simple applications quickly. Despite its simplicity, CodeIgniter is a powerful framework that can handle complex applications, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of web development projects
CakePHP
CakePHP is another open-source PHP framework that features an expandable architecture promoting a high level of customization. Being a CRUD framework, it supports easy-to-create, read, updates, and delete which makes the entire development process hassle-free.
The framework was launched in the year 2005; however, it has received regular updates that make the framework potent enough when compared to the recent additions in the market.
The platform offers an extra layer of security by boasting effective features such as CSRF or cross-site request forgery protection, input validation, and XSS or cross-site scripting protection.
Yii
Yii boasts a relatively new programming network and is effective in developing the application of varied nature and purposes. The platform is flexible enough to incorporate new features like lazy loading in the development process.
Features like lazy loading are capable enough to reduce the lag experienced while loading and hence promote faster loading time. The framework can be used in sync with other frameworks like Zend. Yii is loaded with security enhancements like SOL injection and cookie tampering that safeguard your web application from possible attacks.
PHP Micro Framework (PHP-MF)
PHP-MF is a lightweight PHP framework for building small to medium-sized web applications. It provides a simple and flexible structure that enables developers to build applications quickly and efficiently, while also following best practices and security guidelines.
Zend Framework
Zend Framework adopts an object-oriented approach in web application development that allows the developers to incorporate a variety of modifications depending on the nature of the business. The community-oriented concept makes it easy to work on. App functionality can further be extended by integrating Zend components for a more personalized experience.
Phalcon
Released in the year 2012, Phalcon is a well-equipped PHP framework that elevates the development experience as compared to other frameworks available in the market. It is structured using the C and Coo languages.
It means, being a C extension, the framework eliminates the need for learning the C language before experimenting with it. The framework is not only easy to install but also user-friendly. It uses minimal memory space that eventually increases its speed and hence its effectiveness.
If you are looking for a lightweight yet feature-rich best PHP framework 2023 for web app development, considering Phalcon can be a good option.
PHPLucene
PHPLucene is a PHP port of the popular Lucene search engine library. It provides a set of tools for indexing and searching text-based data, making it a useful addition to web applications that require advanced search capabilities.
FuelPHP
FuelPHP made its debut in the year 2011. The framework encourages not only MVC architecture but also HMVC architecture. The advanced architecture allows the platform to showcase more than one page at a time.
The platform is constantly receiving updates that make it competent enough. If your business deals with data sensitivity that needs optimal security, considering FuelPHP for app development can make a huge difference.
Slim Framwork
Slim is a PHP micro-framework that can be used in developing APIs. The framework is easy to learn, making it bliss for beginners. The framework emphasizes creating simple and basic yet user-friendly apps. It shortens the learning curve that makes the platform easy to understand.
PHPUnit
PHPUnit is a popular testing framework for PHP applications. It provides a set of tools for writing and running automated tests for PHP code, allowing developers to ensure the quality and stability of their applications.
PHPixie
The seven years old framework is based on HMVC architecture that helps in creating high-performance web applications. The framework uses independent components that offer a high range of flexibility. The user-friendly PHP framework is a bliss to use even for beginners.
Nette
Nette is a popular open-source PHP framework for web application development. It is known for its simplicity, speed, and security, making it a popular choice among developers. It offers a set of tools and components for building robust, scalable, and secure web applications. Nette provides a flexible structure that enables developers to build applications quickly and efficiently, while also following best practices and security guidelines. The framework is also modular, allowing developers to choose only the components they need for their specific project.
PHPDevShell
PHPDevShell is a PHP framework designed to speed up the development of web-based applications. It provides a set of tools and components for building complex applications quickly and efficiently, while also following best practices and security guidelines.
Lumen
Lumen is a PHP micro-framework designed for building fast, lightweight, and RESTful web applications. It is built on top of the Laravel framework and shares many of its components, but is optimized for speed and simplicity, making it a popular choice for developers who are building small to medium-sized applications.
Fat-Free Framework
Fat-Free Framework is a simple and lightweight PHP framework for web application development. It provides a set of tools for building fast, efficient, and scalable applications, while also following best practices and security guidelines. The framework is also highly modular, allowing developers to choose only the components they need for their specific project.
Kohana
Kohana’s development started on May 31, 2007, when a group of CodeIgniter community members initiated a community fork of CodeIgniter, which was originally named BlueFlame. In June of the same year, the project was renamed to “Kohana” and its first version, 1.0, was released in July without any documentation.
Kohana is known for its clean, elegant, and well-documented code, making it a popular choice among developers who are looking to build high-quality web applications. The framework is also highly modular, allowing developers to choose only the components they need for their specific project.
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Wrapping up
In conclusion, there are several PHP frameworks available for web development, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice of the framework will depend on the specific needs and requirements of a project, as well as the preferences of the developer. Some popular PHP frameworks include Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony, Yii, CakePHP, Zend Framework, FuelPHP, PHPixie, Slim, Nette, PHPUnit, PHPLucene, PHPDevShell, Lumen, Fat-free Framework, etc.
By choosing the right PHP framework, developers can save time and effort while building robust, scalable, and secure web applications.
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After learning about the importance and some of the most popular PHP frameworks, the next thing that might hover over your mind is identifying a reliable app & web development company. Which excels in using modern frameworks for developing and optimizing apps that cater to your requirements.
Aamna is a young enthusiast writer, who Loves different niches, Internet tech, Gadget, Mobile trends and is always eager to share useful informative content to help readers. She has expertise in Digital Marketing and technical advisor.