PHP Framework Comparison

Published: February 10, 2012 3 min. read
Svitla Team
By Svitla Team
Web Development
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This is a comparison of PHP frameworks that were popular in 2011 and are expected to transcend in 2012. It’s highly recommended to use the latest version of PHP framework in order to have all the features as well as to get the best support from web developers and contributors around the world. In case you do not know what PHP framework will fit your project best, this PHP framework comparison will help you to make the right decision.

Lets make a shortlist of the best PHP frameworks noted last year – codeIgniter, Zend Framework and cakePHP. Before going in-depth with these PHP frameworks, it’s recommended to understand the notion of MVC frameworks and their benefits.

CODEIGNITER

codeigniter

First in the list for the PHP Framework comparison is the codeIgniter. Users of codeIgniter are generally satisfied by the easy-to-use system that allows anyone to get started. The framework is also backed up with an easy-to-follow manual that even beginners can understand. For PHP Framework Comparison, codeIgniter is seen as very similar to CakePHP and quite different from Zend Framework.

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Features:

  • A framework with a small footprint.
  • Exceptional performance.
  • Broad compatibility with standard hosting accounts that run a variety of PHP versions and configurations.
  • Requires nearly zero configuration.
  • It does not require you to use the command line.
  • It does not require you to adhere to restrictive coding rules.
  • PHP developers is not forced to learn a templating language.
  • Clear, thorough documentation.

ZEND FRAMEWORK

zend

Zend framework is an excellent PHP framework and extremely popular. There are over 10 million downloads and over 500 contributors. It runs with newer PHP version and viewed as pro since it can make you utilize PHP5, which is more focused on objects. In Zend framework you can select which features you prefer to use such as free source and development path. This works well especially for experienced web developers. However, zend framework apparently doesn’t follow CoC unlike cakePHP. Users also noted many unnecessary configurations.

Features:
  • Extensible and well-tested code base
  • Flexible architecture
  • No configuration files necessary to get going
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CAKEPHP

cake php

CakePHP is the third most popular PHP framework in 2011. Web developers found it very easy to use because of its type development. It also includes scaffolding configurations that let you to experiment on basic database and system design even without the need to create a single view. This PHP framework has also created functional load arrays of related model institutions according on your model and database set-up.

Features:

  • No configuration
  • Extremely simple
  • Active, friendly community
  • Flexible license
  • Clean code
  • Best coding practices
  • Object oriented
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Svitla Team
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FAQ

How many frameworks are in PHP?

There is no definite count of PHP frameworks; there are several. The article discusses three popular ones between 2011 and 2012: CodeIgniter, Zend Framework, and CakePHP. They were just part of the broader landscape of PHP frameworks available at that time and still are, as developers choose from many on the basis of the project’s requirements—the latest stable version being preferred.

What is the easiest PHP framework?

Among beginners, it is generally said that CodeIgniter is the least demanding PHP framework to learn due to its small footprint, outstanding performance, minimal configuration, and comprehensive, yet simple, documentation. It doesn’t ask for command-line tools or stringent coding rules, so it can really get out of the way. Finally, developers love that it doesn’t force a templating language, which would then lower the barrier to learning.

What are the disadvantages of PHP frameworks?

It comes with the extra configuration and boilerplate that does slow the setup time and feels overkill for a small project. Some implement convention-over-configuration while others do not, yielding an inconsistent developer experience and quite some confusion. There can be performance costs compared to plain PHP, as well as being tied into the framework’s release cycle and community support. Other architectural choices (read: strictness, tools, or patterns it mandates) might make the learning curve steeper or even lock you in!

Can I use PHP without a framework?

Yes, you can even build applications with plain PHP and without using any framework at all. This may be easier for small projects, reduce overhead, and maintain total control over structure and performance. However, most of the frameworks bring in useful structure, reusable components, and best practices (like MVC) that make the development process quicker and enhance the maintainability of the project as it grows. If you bypass a framework, at least establish your own conventions and libraries so that you don’t end up drowning in technical debt.

What is the framework of PHP?

A PHP framework is basically a structured set of tools offering libraries, conventions, and architecture, typically MVC, to hasten the process of developing web applications. It takes care of common chores such as routing, interacting with databases, and templating so that you write less code and easily adopt best practices. Frameworks vary in their setup; more basic ones advocate minimal configuration and simple use, while others come with components and allow much more freedom. The choice has to do with the project’s size, performance requirements, and the experience of a developer.