A framework is basically a conceptual structure that aims to serve as a guide for the development of any web application. Since every programming language facilitates application development through their frameworks, so does PHP.
PHP aka Hypertext Preprocessor is a scripting language for server-side applications and its frameworks are popularly used worldwide.
Being an open-source programming language, almost 80% of web applications use PHP till date.
The PHP frameworks come in a customized format to serve the different applications, experience, hosting capabilities. Keeping in mind all these factors which makes PHP so popular, we have curated a list of the Top best PHP frameworks which modern web developers should adopt in 2021.
Here’s the list!
1. Laravel
Laravel framework is definitely #1 PHP framework. It is an inclusive framework which uses MVC architecture (Model, View, and Controller). It is responsible for maintaining the business logic and maintaining application data with the proper user interface and handling user requests.
At present, it is the most preferred PHP framework with a big community of developers.
Laravel features a number of packages such as lightweight Blade templating engine, ORM (Object Relational Mapping), RESTful (Representational State Transfer), a packaging system, controllers, etc.
It also features queue management that handles tasks in the background and then logs all the activities during smooth front end tasks. It is soon to introduce a routing package also.
It also easily integrates with Elixir (other functional language) and Gulp (open source javascript toolkit) so that any bower (package manager) and npm (node .js packages) can be called through ssh (secure shell) directly.
Another best thing about Laravel is that it handles NoSQL structures such as Redis or MongoDB. Recently, it came out with an administration panel design- Nova. This feature would definitely facilitate the software developers who want to be more innovative and more productive.
Best Features of Laravel:
· Rapid App development
· Unit testing
· MVC architecture
· Payment integration with stripe
· High-level abstraction
· Overloading capabilities with dynamic methods
· Strong encryption packages
· ORM (Object Relational Management)
2. Phalcon
MVC architecture based PHP framework, Phalcon was built as an extension to C. This implies that it is very fast. It also uses fewer resources than any other platform which helps in translating the HTTP requests at a faster pace.
It brings all the developers data storage tools- Object Document Mapping for MongoDB and its own SQL dialect-PHQL. Other major features include form builders, template engines, app development with all other international support, etc.
The phalcon PHP framework is also best for developing performance REST APIs and completely functional web applications.
Best Features of Phalcon:
· Low overheads
· Auto-loading
· C-extension
· Impeccable built-in security features
3. CakePHP
An ideal framework for the beginners and for the rapid development of commercial web applications. Though it comes with many other packages to serve the basic requirements, the special scaffolding functionality speeds up the development process.
MVC architecture facilitates the development process. The configuration makes the development even easier by evading the need for complicated XML, YAML configuration files. All these features make the development process faster. The security features prevent XSS, SQL, CSRF, Injection, etc.
Best Features of CakePHP
· Supports all the latest PHP versions
· Fast build and Scaffolding system
· Apt for commercial web applications with MIT License
· Extensive Secure tools
· Database Access, Validation, Caching, Authentication
· Scripting and SQL injection prevention,
· CSRF and Form Validation
4. Yii
The Yii PHP framework stands for Yes, it is! Suitable for all kinds of web applications, it is a high-performance, component-based framework. It is also called as a universal web programming framework.
It comes with the easy installation process and robust security features for developing highly secure web applications i.e. portals, forums, CMS, etc. It lets the developers avoid writing complexities of repetitive SQL statements as data can be modelled in terms of objects.
Best Features of Yii:
· Boasts performance & speed
· Supports customization of code
· Highly extensive
· Robust Secure tools
· Reported problems are assisted with instant help
5. Symfony
Symfony has been the best, stable, well documented, modular, and high-performance framework for almost a decade now. It was developed by French SensioLabs and is backed by them. It is a big name in the web development world. It is also used for the development of REST APIs and web application.
Best Features of Symfony:
· High performance with byte-code caching
· Boasts database engine independence
· Allows integration with other vendor libraries.
· Highly stable and flexible
6. Codeigniter
Another ideal PHP framework for rapid web application development is Codeigniter. This framework can be installed without any special command and software. The full-fledged application development is easier with Codeigniter because of its numerous libraries can be used for unit testing, form validation, sessions, email, and much more!
Also, if you can not find the libraries then you can build your own and share it further for other developers. It is backed by “The British Columbia Institute of Technology” which ensures its continued growth and development.
Best Features of Codeigniter:
· Ability to use normal web hosting services such as MySQL
· Outperforms the Non- MVC frameworks
· LTS (Long Term Support)
7. Zend
Zend PHP is a go-to professional framework which is commonly used for building high-performance commercial applications. This framework is configured with a lot of authentication, forms, feeds, and services. It is the most preferred framework for rapid development of enterprise applications. It also comes with tools and Zend IDE to the developers’ tasks even easier than before.
Best Features of Zend:
· Best-suited for enterprise applications
· Object Oriented
· Highly customizable
· Follows the agile software development method
8. Fuel PHP
Fuel PHP is a modern, modular, extensible, and MVC framework which is built in HMVC (Hierarchical Model View Controller). It features lightweight yet powerful ORM (Object Relational Mapping) support.
It also features template parsing and powerful security tools. Its authentication framework. FuelPHP is fully object-oriented and can be developed actively because of its community-driven nature.
Best Features of Fuel PHP:
· Optional Caching
· URL routing
· Authentication packages
· RESTful building
· Supports multiple applications
· Modular with integrated ORM
· Fully object-oriented new version
9. PHPixie
PHPixie was released in the year 2012, and it also implements the HMVC model like Fuel PHP. It was meant to create high-performance read-only websites. Easy to install, this framework is suitable for social networking websites, web app development services, and customized web applications.
Also, it is to be noted that PHPixie has fewer modules and it lacks support for components that are made from the dependencies.
Best Features of PHPixie:
· Easy to get started
· HMVC Model
· Impressive Routing System
· Documentation with code samples
· Ability to compile fast
10) Slim
Inspired by Ruby’s Sinatra, the slim framework is a micro-framework. It is best suited for developing RESTful APIs. This framework with its add-on features such as URL routing, handling, and HTTP caching. Also, it is very easy to install and work with. This framework is apt for beginners.
Best features of Slim:
· The fastest and the latest RESTful framework
· Extensive documentation
· Perfect for RESTful APIs
· Add-ons include: HTTP Caching & Flash
Conclusion:
PHP is the most popular programming language for application development, it is being preferred by global web developers. PHP has many frameworks which one can use to build exceptional web applications.
The above mentioned are the best PHP networks that can be adopted by web developers to ease out the app-building process.
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