10 PHP Frameworks to Use in 2023

A majority of websites on the Internet are, built using PHP, a web development technology widely used. This technology is not without controversy among developers. Some developers consider it the best technology for developing web solutions across the board but by others, it is considered mediocre, outdated, and crappy. Thus, keeping an eye on the best PHP framework to work with should be your motto. Here, we help you with our list of the top 10 PHP Frameworks.

According to W3Techs, roughly 79% of all websites utilise PHP. In server-side programming languages, it’s eight times more prevalent than ASP.NET, its closest competition.

Developing PHP code has become much easier as a result of the availability of a wide range of frameworks. What are, PHP frameworks used for? Moreover, how do you determine the best PHP framework for your project?

You will learn about the top 10 PHP frameworks available today and be able to determine which one is best for your project.

What is a PHP Framework?

PHP is a framework for developing PHP web applications. A software design pattern usually includes methods and classes that are, prepackaged, as well as parts that implement design patterns. A variety of text and graphic files can be, created and exported from a language other than HTML.

Apart from that, PHP works with a large number of databases, making web development much easier. Developers, designers, and employers can use PHP to their advantage due to its versatility.

Why Use PHP Frameworks?

PHP frameworks offer a number of advantages over writing code from scratch.

More rapid development

Using PHP frameworks development and time can be, minimized because libraries and tools are, built in. Several popular PHP frameworks include the PHPUnit library for simple testing, such as the CakePHP framework, which boasts the Bake command-line tool.

Less code to write

By using the framework’s built-in functionality, you won’t have to create as much original code.

Task-Related Libraries

Many of the things that developers of web applications will have to do are standard. CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) and form validation are a few examples (data sanitization). You could simply use the framework’s functions for these tasks instead of writing your own.

Learn about the difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework here

Use proper coding techniques

Coding best practices are, followed by most PHP frameworks. Depending on the function, for example, the partition code can be, divided into several folders.

Using them forces you to organize your code in a logical, tidy, and maintainable manner. You should follow frameworks that define entity name standards.

Developing your application is safer

There are many PHP security risks, including cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and cross-site petition forgery. PHP web applications are vulnerable unless you take the appropriate precautions to secure your code. Using a PHP framework does not reduce the risk of hacker attacks, but it does reduce the time spent developing safe code. Securing data and protecting it against the common dangers above are, built into good frameworks.

10 Best PHP Frameworks

Below you’ll find a list of the ten best PHP frameworks for web development. Make sure you choose the right one for your project since they are diverse and cater to different needs.

Laravel

Laravel is an open-source PHP framework that is well-known for its free, free-to-use features. With many features and functionalities built in, this tool is a great tool for customizing complicated projects. Among its features are session management, user authentication, and caching.

The framework can be, augmented with other packages. A framework-independent package works with any PHP framework, but a Laravel-specific package works only with Laravel. For example, the Laravel Debugbar is a popular package that supports the debugging process by adding a toolbar to the application.

Key Features:

• The Laravel framework is an excellent choice for complex backend projects of any size. Laravel has been made easier to install since the introduction of Homestead, an all-in-one vagrant machine.
• There is a lot of customisation potential with this PHP framework. In particular, these include seamless data transfer, MVC (Model, View, and Controller) architectural support, routing, the view template engine, and authentication.
• Its performance and security meet current standards for online applications, and Laravel is a very expressive framework.
•  If you want to build a B2B or corporate website that will adapt to changing trends, Laravel is the way to go. 

BBC, the oldest broadcasting institution in the world and the biggest broadcaster overall is one of the most renowned examples. Other notable names that use Laravel include 9GAG, Pfizer, TourRadar, and Crowdcube.

Read here, why your next app should be developed in Flutter?

Codeigniter 

With CodeIgniter, developers can build Web applications with a simple and elegant toolset. It is a tiny PHP framework that occupies less than 1.2 megabytes of hard disk space. Thus, your web server and application will be less impacted and your pages will load faster.   

Key Features:

• PHP Framework CodeIgniter is light and simple, unlike other PHP frameworks. Its easy-to-follow instructions and ease of use make it excellent for new users.
• The MVC design, error handling tools, and excellent and easy documentation are highlights. Applications can also be scaled.
• Competitive frameworks are slower than CodeIgniter. Developing lightweight apps for small servers is possible because of their solid performance.

Just a few of the companies that use Codeigniter are Udemy, Medical Guardian, QuinStreet, and Abode.

Symfony

Although Symfony has been around much longer than the other frameworks on our list, it is still regarded as one of the most mature and reliable platforms today. Symfony is a versatile PHP framework that is based on modular components. Additionally, Symfony includes Twig, an easy-to-use template engine. Last but not least, its integrated debugging tool ensures the smooth operation of your project. 

Key Features:

• For creating enterprise-scale applications, Symfony is an excellent framework. Setting it up and configuring it is straightforward on most platforms.
• You can reuse the PHP components. Furthermore, it follows most web best practices and design principles, is database engine independent, and can be integrated with other vendor libraries.
• A highly flexible and robust debugging toolbar makes debugging easy by displaying all the necessary information.
• Deploying Symfony is a snap since an automated deployment solution does not require any time or effort.

Symfony is used by OpenSky, an e-commerce platform, eRepublik, an online browser game, and eZ Publish in version 5. Besides Drupal 8, phpBB, and many other notable projects, Symfony components are used in many other significant projects.

Learn about Why ASP.Net is best for Microservices

Laminas Project

Zend’s PHP framework was succeeded by Laminas. Laminas Projects is sometimes referred to as a glue framework because of its component-based design. PHP framework from Laminas enables you to load just the components you need from separate libraries. It is an object-oriented, MVC-based framework. 

Also, the MVC framework and components adhere to corporate development principles, making them suitable for advanced web applications.

Key Features:

• MVC integration with external libraries
• Utilizes only the parts that you need.
• Easily deployable architecture with loosely coupled components and few dependencies
• Cached data can be stored in memory or on a file system.

Phalcon

Phalcon stands out among PHP frameworks because its development style is based on C and C++. However, it does offer a vast array of development options that allow you to design faultless web apps. This framework includes capabilities such as asset management, caching, an autoloader, and others. This PHP framework provides extensive documentation for developers to better understand the PHP framework. Phalcon is easy to use and comprehend, and it comes with an intuitive interface.

Key Features:

• Phalcon is easy to set up and use, and it’s the best choice for building highly flexible, corporate-friendly web applications.
• A universal autoloader, improved execution speed, asset management, and top security and caching are some of the highlights.
• Phalcon boosts speed by maximizing the use of memory, unlike other frameworks. Make your website lightning-fast with Phalcon.

Phalcon is, used in the IT stacks of 34 companies including Proshore, Urban Sports Club and Edureka.

CakePHP

If you’re looking for an elegant and simple toolbox, look no further. With CakePHP, you can create visually appealing, feature-rich websites. With its CRUD structure (create, read, update, and delete), CakePHP is also one of the easiest frameworks to learn. Originally introduced in the early 2000s, CakePHP has since improved performance and added a host of new features. A wide range of useful components can be, found in CakePHP’s extensive library. It is a great alternative if you need to implement hard-to-find functionality. 

Key Features:

• A web server and a copy of CakePHP are all that are, needed to install CakePHP.
• The security features make it an excellent option for business applications since it protects against SQL injections, input validation, cross-site request forgeries (CSRF), and cross-site scripting (XSS).
• A contemporary framework, quick builds, class inheritance, validation, and security are just a few of the features included. In addition to cakePHP documentation and help sites, Cake Development Corporation offers premium support.

Hospitals and healthcare businesses use CakePHP the most. The majority of companies using CakePHP have 10-50 employees and a revenue of $1 million to $10 million. There are many such companies, including Turner & Townsend plc, InSync Solutions, Glen Raven, Inc., and Citizens, Inc. 

Yii

That’s right! Yii is a simple, evolutionary framework. With it, you can build fast, contemporary web applications. YII can be used for a variety of online applications. Due to this, it’s considered a universal framework for web development. 

Key Features: 

• The installation of Yii is simple. The extensive security features make it suitable for highly secure applications such as e-commerce, portals, content management systems, and forums.
• Because it models database data as objects, it’s fast, adaptable, and avoids developers from writing redundant SQL queries.
• A core team of developers and specialists work on Yii. The Yii community will offer support for any issues you encounter.
• A lot of Yii’s code can be modified, making it a very flexible framework. You’ll have to learn the framework very quickly if you’re new to it.

According to Yii, 288 companies use its services, including GE, Deloitte, and Evergreens Team.

Zend Framework

Zend, a fully object-oriented framework, has features such as interfaces and inheritance that allow it to be extended. Creating high-quality apps using agile methods allows you to offer them to business customers. Developers who want to add features to their projects will find Zend’s flexibility and adherence to PHP standards essential. 

Key Features: 

• Zend is an excellent choice for highly sophisticated, enterprise-level applications. Financial institutions and IT departments choose Zend for their applications.
• Its main features include an MVC framework, a simple cloud API, data encryption, and session management.
• A number of external libraries can be used, and you can choose what components you want to use. A lot of documentation and great community support is provided by the Zend framework. The learning curve for mobile app developers can be steep, though.

The number of Zend websites in China is the most, with 433, followed by the United States (332), Japan (97), Brazil (63), Germany (38), etc.

FuelPHP

FuelPHP is a PHP framework that comes with a number of advanced features. It was first released in 2011. For building apps, it is an extremely flexible and adaptable PHP MVC framework. HMVC, which is an advanced version of MVC is, also supported by the framework. An HMVC page can display multiple times without duplicate content, as opposed to MVC. Therefore, it consumes less memory and takes less time. 

Key Features: 

• Developers can use FuelPHP to create complex and scalable web applications.
• Implementing HMVC, implementing RESTful, creating a URL routing system, preventing vulnerabilities, and using caching mechanisms are all key components.
• If you’re concerned about the security of your project, its security strategy goes beyond standard security procedures. In comparison to FuelPHP, which is a newer framework, it provides less support and may be more difficult to learn. 

Enterprises in the United States and the Computer Software industry are the most likely users of FuelPHP.

PHPPixie

With PHPixie, you can build high-performance web applications using a full-stack PHP framework. As with FuelPHP, it is, composed of separate components and provides a Hierarchical Model-View-Controller (HMVC). The framework has an active community that contributes regularly to the framework’s improvements. 

Key Features: 

• Look no further if you need a simple framework that is easy to implement and learn.
• The HMVC-enhanced architecture is supported.
• A very impressive routing scheme.
• The framework supports MongoDB and is lightweight.

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Conclusion

The development process can be simplified by using PHP frameworks, reducing workload. There are differences between each framework with respect to community, documentation, and database support.

Thus, the most suitable framework depends on a variety of factors, such as security, ease of use, scalability, documentation, etc. Therefore, the first step is to learn about what the project or application you want to build requires. Decide which PHP framework is most suitable for your needs from these options. There is no way to go wrong here.

Read about which one to select from .NET Core and .NET Framework.

How Can TechnoBrains Help You?

Since TechnoBrains began working with PHP over eight years ago, we have been using the software extensively. PHP is a natural choice for us as we specialize in developing web applications and websites. We take pride in providing our clients with high-quality work.

Besides creating entire PHP applications and websites, we also develop components supporting systems designed using other technologies. Typically, we use one of the PHP frameworks – Drupal, Symfony, or Laravel, depending on the project.

FAQs

Q1: Which PHP framework is the fastest?

Answer: CodeIgniter is, known for being the fastest PHP framework for web development. Additionally, CodeIgniter is the most efficient PHP framework for data-driven web applications. Coding statements can be, generated, inserted, updated, and removed using CodeIgniter instead of writing raw SQL.

Q2: Is WordPress a PHP framework?

Answer: WordPress is a PHP framework in a nutshell. It is because WordPress offers a variety of APIs on which you can build your application.

Q3: Is Javascript similar to PHP?

Since JavaScript and PHP are, used for different purposes in web development, it’s unfair to compare them. Scripting languages like JavaScript and PHP are server-side languages. When both languages’ features, are, combined the most dynamic website can be, developed. JavaScript is the color of PHP’s paintbrush.