PHP framework is used by 79.1% of all the server-side programming language websites which calculates to roughly around 8 out of 10 websites that you visit on the internet. 

As of January 2021, there are a total of 34,713,433 live websites that use the PHP framework.

These numbers should not surprise you because WordPress, which is the most popular content management system, makes use of PHP. Of these 64% of the WordPress sites use PHP 7.1 or lower.

So what exactly is the PHP framework? and what should you know before you use it? Let us read below to find out everything about this popular framework.

PHP framework- What is it?

PHP is the most used scripting language in the world because of its ease of use and flexibility. Coding in PHP however could get monotonous and this is where PHP web development uses the PHP framework. The PHP framework helps to streamline the web application development written in PHP and provides a basic structure to build the website applications. This saves time, reduces repetitive coding, and builds a stable application. It thus lets the developers spend time creating the web application instead of just writing the same codes.

The working of the PHP framework is known as the MVC or the Model View Controller. It is an architectural pattern in programming which isolates the UI from the logic of the business and lets you modify one independent of the other. MVC allows breaking down of the development process so you are free to work on a particular element while keeping the other unaffected which in turn makes coding in PHP less complicated and faster.

Why should the PHP framework be used?

• The main reason PHP web development companies use the PHP framework is to speed up the process of development. The framework allows reusing the code across various projects. It also comes with pre-built modules to perform complex coding tasks that save the developers’ time.

• Stability is another key reason for using the PHP framework. PHP being a forgiving language, it is important to tie up the loose coding ends properly.

• Lastly, the PHP framework availability is extensive which gives you many different options to choose from. The well-known frameworks have a large support team, which allows interaction between communities and enables the developers to be up to date with the latest changes in the framework.

When should you consider using the PHP framework?

The PHP framework offers stability and simplicity which makes it a great option for a beginner. PHP framework is also used by experienced programmers who can use the tool to write clean and good codes and also save time in writing lengthy codes. PHP framework is beneficial, especially when working on a project with a tight deadline or where there is a lot of monotonous coding to be done.

How to decide on a PHP framework?

If you are searching for a PHP framework then there are plenty of options to choose from. To zero in on the PHP framework that best suits your needs it is important to first figure out who will be using the framework. If many would be using the application then it is recommended to use the popular PHP frameworks as many developers may have used them before. If it is for your personal use then you can choose any framework that you feel comfortable working with.

Several factors can help shortlist your choice for the best PHP framework. Rapid performance, ease of use, popularity among developers, support forums, and strong features are a few things to look out for.

Every PHP framework comes with its pros and cons. It is thus best to do a little trial and error to help you figure out what best suits your requirements.

Common errors committed when using a PHP framework

Mistakes can occur in all kinds of programming and PHP helps to limit these errors by offering quality codes for the development process. However, there are some things that a PHP development company should be careful about when using a PHP framework.

• Never opt for the less popular frameworks unless you are an expert at PHP programming. This will ensure that you get complete support throughout and not be prone to security glitches.

• Take care to check if the database and web server are compatible with the framework. Not meeting these requirements fails to offer the best performance.

• Not following the installation process recommended can cause major problems. It is best to spend extra time and install the framework correctly the very first time

List of the Best PHP Frameworks 

• The Zend Framework

• CakePHP

• Symfony

• Codelgniter

• Seagull

Benefits of Using a PHP Framework

Here is how a PHP framework can assist in application development.

• Allows rapid development which is crucial to get your product outside to the world as quickly as possible.

• PHP framework makes your application very secure as the solutions are peer-reviewed and tested as well as validated by developers who use the frameworks.

• Easy to maintain, the PHP framework offers a sound structure to the application.

• PHP framework has a huge community that makes it easy for the developers to be up to date with the latest changes in the framework.

Challenges in using the PHP framework

• Compared to running a PHP script, executing a PHP framework is slow as there are complexities and overheads before the code gets called.

• The framework gives a general solution to even the specific problems.

• It takes time to learn and master the PHP framework.

• There is limited control and visibility when you use a framework.

• External dependency is always present when you use the framework.

Conclusion

The PHP framework is a powerful tool for PHP app development as it saves lots of effort and time to develop the application. It is an amazing framework that reduces the need to code repetitively which speeds up application development and also tightens security by reducing the coding risks. There are several PHP frameworks available today which makes it crucial to narrow down the choices based on the feature, scalability, support, and the needs of the user.

Author Bio:

Abhishek Jain is the head of marketing at Imenso Software, which offers fantastic software development services that evolve with corresponding business trends and technology.