Monday, 15 Jun 2009 06:55 EST
Why Use a PHP Framework?
If you're like me, you might be hesitant to use to a framework because, for some strange reason, you actually enjoy writing code from scratch. While there's a time and place for writing all of your code by hand, a framework is a great way to get your professional projects out the door faster and easier. If you could get twice as many apps out the door in the same amount of time, why not give it a shot?
Some of the primary benefits of using a framework include:
- Save time by utilizing built-in code libraries, rather than writing all of your code from scratch.
- Reuse code across multiple applications, through code libraries and custom plugins.
- Built-in API services allow you to integrate with popular web apps such as Twitter, Google, Amazon, and Flickr.
- Large communities of other users of a particular framework provide willing assistance based on expertise, experience, and general "knowledge of the masses."
Let's take a look at a few of the top PHP frameworks available.
CakePHP is one of the top frameworks available and is known for its ease-of-use and use of the agile software development methodology to focus on rapid development of web applications. CakePHP is a great place for both new and advanced PHP developers to get started with a framework.
CodeIgniter is a simple and elegent, yet powerful, framework, which has been praised for its speed and small footprint. CodeIgniter has more extensive documentation and a larger community than CakePHP.
Zend is an easy-to-use framework focused on building fast, reliable, and secure Web 2.0-style applications and services. It's built-in APIs for Google, Amazon, Yahoo!, and Flickr, among others, make a it a very attractive option.
PHPDevShell is ofcused on developing admin-based applications as plugins. The framework has an easy learning curve and provides a light, easy-to-use interface.
Yii is another Web 2.0-focuses framework, focused on developing large-scale web apps. Yii features built-in form validation, web 2.0 widgets, and web services, among many other available features.
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