Top 5 Trending Frameworks Of PHP For 2021: Pros and Cons

Web development tools and frameworks are aplenty, and you can pick from the available options for your business needs. There are free as well as commercial tools for web application and site development nowadays. However, PHP happens to be a long-time favorite in this sector. Thousands of web developers prefer PHP over other contenders. The PHP-based frameworks are very much in demand, and there are compelling reasons for that. You have to learn about the PHP frameworks before picking anyone.

Why are PHP frameworks popular?

PHP Frameworks are much in demand for their ease of usage and flexibility. Developers are able to create stunning web applications and feature-rich websites using these frameworks without using manual coding. This saves both time and effort. They can therefore make more websites and applications quickly using these frameworks. The clients are also satisfied as they get solutions based on PHP without waiting for long. However, it is essential to compare the available PHP frameworks before opting for one.

The top PHP frameworks and their pros and Cons

Listed below are the top and popular PHP frameworks and their advantages and drawbacks. Once you go through these, zeroing in on the reliable one for your needs will be easy.

Also Read: Can Laravel be used for building Enterprise Apps?

Laravel

This is beyond doubt one of the top PHP frameworks across the world. Taylor Otwell developed it back in 2011, and after that, it became very popular among PHP developers. It is sought after for simplified syntax, ease of learning, and fast development time. It also incorporates advanced security features. The online communities and forums also work in favor of Laravel. If you want to develop a complex website using this framework, hiring a veteran laravel website development company will be required.

Pros

• It is based on tried and tested MVC architecture.
• Its elegant syntax saves development time.
• It uses the newer features introduced in PHP.
• Laravel comes with very robust documentation.
• Laravel integrates with a lot of mail services.
• The Artisan command-line tool eases the development process.

Cons

• The Composer is not powerful enough.
• Some components in it are not designed well.
• Development is slower compared to other rivals.

Also Read: Why PHP Laravel Framework is the Best

Symfony

Symfony is a worthy competitor to top PHP frameworks, including Laravel. Launched in 2005, Symfony is used mostly for making robust applications that offer speed, performance, and security. It is liked by developers for solid support for database applications. It also ships with embedded testing provisions, which makes things easy for the developers. The elegant documentation is something you can’t overlook either.

Pros

• Symfony is more flexible than other PHP frameworks.
• Developers can take advantage of its embedded testing features.
• The framework comes with very detailed and robust documentation.
• The dashboard is straightforward and clean.
• Developers can seek the support of a huge online community.

Cons

• It requires LoRa chipsets along with symphony link software, leading to dependency.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter may have lost some of its fans to the newer PHP frameworks contenders, but that does not mean its days are over. The framework is lightweight, and getting started with it is simple. It is based on MVC architecture, and developers still prefer it for speed of development. Since it is a long-time player, the online communities are robust. The security features are decent, but in this department, it gets outshined by a few rivals.

Pros

• It is based on the MVC development pattern.
• The framework is simple and suited for beginners.
• The documentation that you get is detailed.
• The PHP framework is quite lightweight.
• It enjoys the support of a thriving online community.
• The user-friendly interfaces make error handling simpler.

Cons

• CodeIgniter relies on some Exhaustive Libraries to run.

CakePHP

It is another much sought-after PHP framework. It is useful for making basic websites, but you can also deploy it for making complex, multi-page websites. It has been on the scene since 2005, and it was the first-ever PHP MVC framework. The framework is easy to learn and lightweight too. As far as security is concerned, CakePHP scores very well, and it comes with advanced security mechanisms inbuilt.

Also Read: In the World of PHP MVC Frameworks: Codeigniter Vs Yii Vs CakePHP Vs Laravel

Pros

• It is based on the Model-View-Control model.
• It supports code reuse.
• CakePHP needs almost no configurations.
• CakePHP comes with CRUD functionality that helps in data management.

Cons

• The learning curve is relatively steeper.

Phalcon

Phalcon is a PHP framework with a difference. It is made with C, and so you can think of it like a PHP framework extended on C. It is good on the performance front. Based on MVC architecture, it is a lightweight PHP framework.

Pros

• It is based on C and modeled on the MVC pattern.
• Code is compiled and not exactly interpreted, which ensures speed.
• The performance is top notch.

Cons

• Not very popular with PHP developers, and finding developers proficient in it can be tough.
• Does not run on shared hosting.

Picking the right PHP development company matters

As you can see, the modern generation PHP frameworks are powerful enough to create simple or complex websites and applications. However, to get the best experience and outcome, you have to pick the right PHP development service provider. There are several laravel website development services, but you have to know the ways to assess the contenders and pick the right one.

To pick the agency offering top-notch laravel application development or Symfony services, use the following parameters.

• At first, you have to learn about the experience and expertise of the agency offering PHP development services. Does it offer services for any specific PHP framework or CMS? You may want a company offering laravel enterprise application packages or choose one that specializes in CakePHP.
• It would be prudent to check out the portfolio of a company offering PHP development services. Check out if applications and websites made by it offer speed, functionality and if they are secure enough or not. This will help you figure out if the company is suited for your needs.
• When you hire a company offering PHP website and application development, check out its support terms. If the app or website made in a PHP framework develops a snag, quick support will be needed. Opt for an agency offering support through a number of channels.
• The interaction of a company offering PHP development services reveals a lot about its professionalism and credibility. Regardless of which PHP framework it offers for application or website development, it should explain the nuances of the package. Top agencies are known for offering the clients a detailed session for clarifying various aspects of their packages.
• Checking out what the clients of a PHP development company say about its work and reliability is something you cannot skip.

Also Read: Top 9 Features That Make Laravel The Best PHP Framework

Summing it up

The modern generation PHP frameworks score well on aspects like performance, development speed, and flexibility. The selection often boils down to developer availability, budget, and project type.