PHP Frameworks We Love!

While most people opine that PHP is gradually disappearing from the face of society, web developers know better. PHP won’t be going out of style and demand anytime soon.

PHP frameworks have remained consistent throughout the years. Did you know that thriving websites like Wikipedia and Facebook use PHP? Nearly 80% of the websites use PHP frameworks, as per W3Techs.

What is a PHP Framework?

A PHP framework is a platform that enables the creation of PHP web applications. It saves you from the time and complications of coding.

PHP frameworks offer code libraries for common functions. The advantage of using PHP is that it is less time-consuming and provides faster development. Besides, it offers a secure coding experience that follows good coding rules with easier maintenance.

Top PHP Frameworks

If you’re interested in PHP frameworks, here is a list of the best options:

Laravel

Specs

Launch date – June 2011
Latest Version – 8 (since Sept 8, 2020)

Technical requirements

PHP >= 7.2.5
Database support
Composer installed

Laravel is one of the top PHP choices, and for a good reason. It is no wonder why Laravel is called “The PHP framework for web artisans.” Taylor Otwell is the developer of this outstanding PHP framework. This PHP framework offers one of those beautiful and engaging designs for web developers.

One of the best things about Laravel is that it is not complicated and very easy to use. Although laravel features a user-friendly base, it is also one of the top choices for professionals in web development. It is used to produce solid work, thanks to the multiple inbuilt features with a fast application.

Symfony

Specs

Launch date – October 2005
Latest Version – 5.1.4

Technical requirements

PHP >= 7.2.5
Composer installed

Symphony is an indispensable PHP framework by SensioLabs. You’ll surely love how easy it is to use while providing some of the best works. More than 300000 developers use this framework.

With reusable PHP libraries, Symfony makes many works easy. It also has the most bundles among all the frameworks. You can even learn invaluable things through the official training courses from this active framework.

Yii 2

Specs

Launch date – December 2008
Latest Version – 2.0.35

Technical requirements

PHP >= 5.4.0, 7+ recommended
Database support
Composer installed

Did you know that Yii is a Chinese word that stands for “simple and evolutionary”? Yes, Yii 2 is all about convenience and ease.

Yii 2 is one of the oldest PHP frameworks operated by a team of international expert developers. It features an easy learning curve. This framework features support for AJAX and allows users to turn database data into objects.

CakePHP

Specs

Launch date – April 2005
Latest Version – 4.1.1

Technical requirements

PHP 7.2, 7.4 recommended
Database support
HTTP server with mod_rewrite preferred

A clean and fast PHP development is what every developer wants. CakePHP has been through a roller coaster ride, but since the release of version 3.7, it has fostered its foundation as one of the best PHP frameworks in 2022.

CakePHP is developed with an MIT license and is free for both commercial and personal use. There is zero configuration with in-built validation.

CodeIgniter

Specs

Launch date – February 2006
Latest Version – 4.0.3

Technical requirements

PHP >= 7.2
Database support

You don’t have to worry about configurations with CodeIgniter because it is minimal. This makes this PHP framework one of the best options to run if you want to develop a project quickly.

With a simple interface, CodeIgniter offers exceptional performance. It is packed with wonderful tools in a single package with optimum security.

Zend Framework

Specs

Launch date – March 2006
Latest Version – 1.3.0 (Laminas) or 3.0.0 (Zend)

Technical requirements

PHP >= 7.3 (Laminas) or >=5.6 (Zend)
Database support
Composer installed

Zend Framework is an old and amazing PHP framework that is a favorite with many web developers. However, it is in the process of changing to the Laminas Project. So, it would be best to shift to the new framework because they no longer update Zend.

Zend Framework supported third-party components. The new Laminas Project features 3 parts, namely Laminas Components and MVC, Mezzio, and Laminas API Tools.

Phalcon

Specs

Launch date – November 2012
Latest Version – 4.0.6

Technical requirements

PSR extension
PHP 7.2 +

Phalcon is one of the fastest PHP frameworks written in C and Zephir. Unlike other PHP frameworks, it is coded in C and C++ and delivers exceptional projects.

When you use Phalcon, you’ll also be able to learn more about the PHP platform. This developer-friendly framework features advanced security for the best performance.

Slim Framework

Specs

Launch date – September 2010
Latest Version – 4.5.0

Technical requirements

PHP 7.2 +
Web server with URL rewriting

Josh Lockhart created Slim Framework, which concentrates on receiving HTTP requests, gathering callbacks, and delivering HTTP responses. It is one of the best platforms for creating APIs.

The framework is perfect for small web app development and also features HTTP Caching and Flash.