Benefits of Using a PHP Framework

There are many PHP frameworks each with differing variations on the same goals. Those goals are to make creating web apps consistent, quick, secure and (from the programmers standpoint) familiar. Here's a short list of just a few PHP frameworks.

• Codeigniter
• Zend
• Symfony
• Cake
• Yii

So lets start with that, familiarity.

Using a PHP framework allows teams of programmers to work on the same project, at the same time, and follow the same set of guidlines/rules. So why is this important? If I create a web app using Codeigniter (an open source PHP framework) today, a different programmer could look a the same code a year or more from now and jump right in making changes or additions without having to figure out what my personal methodology was when I created it. This can be a HUGE time saver.

Next, security.

Since the vast majority of PHP frameworks are open source, they are consistently updated. The open source model also means a lot of programmers are using frameworks which is the perfect R&D department. Once a vulnerability or issue is discovered, it is only a matter of time before the framework is updated to address the issue.

Consistent and Quicker Development.

Frameworks will have the majority of "every day" functions already built into them meaning you can spend less time writting these functions and more time enhancing the user experience (UX). If custom functions are needed, no problem, you can always write UDF's (user defined functions) write into the framework and they will be accessible just as if they were bundled with the framework initially.  

A free support team.

Using a PHP frameworks also means if you run into an issue, there are hundreds of other programmers familiar with how things should be done in the framework to help you. Chances are pretty good you need only search for the issue you are having and your search results will find the answers you are looking for. So using a PHP framework is kinda like having a free support team at your finger tips. Lastly, most PHP frameworks are open source which means they are free. How much better could it be (especially for your project manager) to get a product that helps you write code quicker, is tested, secure, followes guidlines and methologies and doesn't cost the project anything!   Our team here at Business Builders includes full-time programmers who can help build and support everything from web apps to complex intranet systems. Contact us today!