PHP frameworks simplify the web development process by avoiding repetitive coding as they include pre-defined code libraries and components. There are numerous PHP frameworks, so it is difficult to choose the better one. 

This blog post will discuss the top PHP frameworks for web development that you can choose for your project.

Moreover, you can leverage the benefits of such frameworks by collaborating with a PHP web development company.

Let’s get started.

Top PHP Frameworks

1. Laravel

It is an open-source PHP framework introduced in 2011. This PHP framework can securely handle complex web applications. Unlike other frameworks, Laravel includes various inbuilt features that support rapid application development.

Some examples of the companies that use Laravel are Razorpay, Wattpad, Mastercard, etc.

Pros

  • Laravel Framework is suitable to build applications having typical back-end requirements.
  • Laravel can be a good option for enterprise websites.
  • Because of having good support from the PHP developer community, Laravel is updated on a regular basis.

Cons

  • There is a lack of continuity between the versions of the Laravel framework.
  • Composer (a tool for dependency management in PHP) is not strong enough compared to Ruby gems, npm, etc.

2. Symfony

Symfony is a highly advised framework because of its easy-to-understand environment and advanced features. This highly scalable PHP framework was launched on October 18, 2005. This extensive PHP framework completely follows the standards of PHP and the web.

Some instances of the organizations that use Symfony are Naukri.com, Statista, etc.

Pros

  • Fast application development. 
  • It has a user-friendly environment.
  • A perfect caching management system.
  • Plenty of resources.

Cons

  • Unlike Laravel, it is harder to start with Symfony.
  • It is a bit slower than other frameworks due to its feature-rich nature. 

3. CakePHP

This open-source PHP framework helps you to create impressive future-loaded websites. Some instances of companies that use the CakePHP framework are BMW, Edureka, MIT, etc.

This PHP framework is based on MVC-like architecture that is robust and easy to grasp. 

Pros

  • Easy CRUD database interactions.
  • Built-in validation.
  • Suitable for creating enterprise-level applications.
  • Some features of CakePHP include fast builds, proper class inheritance, security, validation, etc.

Cons

  • Unlike other platforms, it does not have comprehensive documentation.
  • CakePHP provides one-way routing that makes it behind other frameworks.

4. CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is an open-source web application development framework used to develop websites with PHP. Because having a rich set of functionality, it enhances the speed of website development. Along with that, it is also helpful to create secure websites, as it can prevent various attacks. 

Some instances of the organizations that use CodeIgniter are Ola, Accenture, etc.

Pros

  • User-friendly Interface.
  • Better search engine optimization.
  • Data Encryption.

Cons

  • Irregular releases.
  • It does not support modular code separation.

5. Yii2

It is a simple-to-use, component-based, and open-source PHP framework used to develop modern web applications rapidly. It is a pure OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) framework that requires basic OOP knowledge. This PHP framework has a component-based architecture and good caching support.

Some instances of the organizations that use Yii2 are Lenovo, Deloitte, etc.

Pros

  • Because of easy-to-follow and well-written documentation, yii2 is easy to install and set up.
  • Multi-tier caching support.
  • Yii2 offers features for both relational and NoSQL databases.

Cons

  • It is difficult to learn for novice programmers because it requires past PHP knowledge and different add-ons.
  • In the Yii2 framework, there is a dependency on static methods that makes it less popular among the developer community.

Irrespective of the frameworks, you can also hire a PHP development company that provides cost-effective and cutting-edge web solutions for startups to large-scale enterprises.

Also read: Which PHP Framework Choose For Website Development? – A Complete Guide

Conclusion

Developing a web application with a PHP framework reduces your workload and makes the development process more manageable. The frameworks discussed in the post are open-source, you may use any one of them as per your requirements. 

If you want to create a robust web development solution using a PHP framework, you must choose the right technology partner. So, you may hire a company offering PHP development services that make your site meet your business requirements.