When to use a framework in PHP

When to use a framework in PHP

In the last couple of years, there have been ground breaking changes in framework technologies. Over the decade, PHP frameworks like Phalcon, Laravel, Zend, Symphony and Codeigniter have gotten bigger and consequently better. Today, they are the leading tools for developers looking to create large applications with ease. Frameworks today is one of the most crucial skill set for development professionals. Here are the situations when you need to use a framework in PHP.

1.       When development relies on Coding and file organization

Just because you have a “/inc” folder with “functions.php” doesn’t necessarily mean that your code is organized. Every PHP framework comes with a certain folder structure by default. Developers are expected to follow these standards and subsequently keep things organized. This can however be a challenge for developers using the vi. Here, there are more numbers of smaller files. However with IDE and other code organizers, it will get easier in searching what you need and when you need.

2.       Using Utilities and libraries

PHP provides countless numbers of libraries and tools. However, when it comes to building websites, most developers will either hunt for third party libraries/codes or write them on their own. However, diving deep into existing PHP libraries will give you better opportunities with things like form validation, database abstraction, input/output filtering, cooking and session handling, pagination, calendar, emails etc.

3.       Using the MVC structure

Model View Controller was introduced into PHP back in 1979 but it still remains one of the most important aspects of programming. Models in MVC represent data structures interfaced with the database. Views on the other hand contain the page templates and various layouts. Lastly, Controllers bind everything together including handling page requests.

4.       When you require strict security

PHP provides a variety of input and output filtering options to protect the final website against hacks and other attacks. If you have handled them manually, it would have been tiring and you might even have skipped some. Frameworks like Codeigniter however does the work automatically by filtering any value pressed to a database object, thus rescuing the code from SQL injections. Similarly, user inputs can be guarded from XSS attacks and encrypting cookies add additional layers of security.

5.       When you want to write less code for faster development

Scripting has always tested the patience and focus of developers. However, once you have passed the learning curve of PHP, you will be able to do more with less coding. As an example, you will not have to depend upon 3rd party libraries or worry about manually chasing possible bugs.

6.       When you need the support of experts

Being the most popular programming platform today, PHP also attracts a huge community of developers who help each other at every step. Using mailing lists and message boards, you can seek to clarify your problems from experts in the industry.

7.       When development is about teamwork

Another great advantage with PHP libraries is that it facilitates teamwork. You can divide the work among designers (for the Views part), database specialists (Models) and programmers to create reusable plugins, libraries, etc. Further, you can have a separate team working on unit tests as Frameworks come with special tools in this aspect too.

PHP frameworks are continually being improved and give great lengths of opportunities to any web developer.

Principles of MVC for PHP Developers

Principles of MVC for PHP Developers

MVC, short for Model View Controller is a design pattern governs the fundamental law that application logic should be separate from presentation. Several PHP developers, experienced and emerging, have been eager about integrating MVC into their development script but the information across the web is limited and those that exist use terms and glossary that would be hard to understand for a beginner. Most tutorials would start with business logics without actually defining design pattern basics.

MVC was first described as design patterns to be used with Smalltalk by Trygve Reenskaug back in 1979. His paper “Applications Programming in Smalltalk-80: How to use Model View Controller” laid the ground for all future MVC architectures. In simple words, MVC is just a simpler way of separating application logic from the display. The basic idea with MVC is to separate applications into 3 parts, referred as Model, View and Controller. The Controller has direct associations with the View and the Model and so does View over the model. However, the Model lays inferred association over the View and subsequently over Controller. Inferred associations can be distinguished as associations that might seem feasible from the user’s point of view, but not the actual software design.

How does the interaction take place?

  1. Users interact with “View” – submitting forms or clicking links
  2. Controller handles user input by transferring the information to Model
  3. Model in turn receives these information and add to the database to update itself
  4. The View therein checks the update and responds necessarily
  5. The View waits for the next interaction from user

MVC might seem to be a great solution for starters. However, separating logic from the display isn’t a new concept. With MVC, it is just a more streamlines process. Simpler layouts and code presentations make applications maintainable.

Business Logic

A much used term, Business Logic implies the calculation of logical processes in an application. For a simple calendar, the Business Logic will be to identify the day, date, month, etc.

Templates

Several MVC frameworks use templates to enforce DRY, facilitating easy code reuse without rewriting. However, a caution for new developers would be that some templates carry complicated syntax and you wouldn’t want learning a whole new language. It would be better to grab them before staring the development.

DRY

One of the most crucial implementations of MVC architecture is DRY or the “Don’t Repeat Yourself” philosophy. DRY is also used by Ruby on Rails allowing the developer to code once and reuse it often. The principles governing DRY suggest that changing a single element doesn’t necessarily interfere with unrelated elements. For someone conversant with Ruby on Rails, the DRY principle would be easier to understand.

Convention over Configuration

A design paradigm that aims to remove the quantity of decision making, Convention over Configuration is achieved by setting up adequate frameworks for each convention. It gets pretty easier doing the minor changes here and there.

MVC is a popular method of generating clean, powerful, and scalable and fast coding in the least time and effort. For developers, it would be worth experimenting with a few frameworks before sticking with the best.

Top 6 Advantages Of PHP Over Other Programming Languages 

PHP has remained one of the most versatile and pragmatic web development languages in the world today. Its range of functionalities, an amazing array of add-ins to extend functionalities, open-source nature, and tremendous online community support has made PHP a perennial favorite amongst newbies as well as established development agencies worldwide. 

So what makes PHP so popular and widely used programming language around the world? 

Well, there are many advantages that PHP has over other languages, let’s deep-dive more into details – 

The Top 6 Advantages of PHP – 

Although most web developers have a range of scripting languages, such as CGI, ASP, JSP, and Perl, most tend to favor PHP. There are several reasons why this programming language is at the forefront of website development – 

1. Easy and Simple to Learn

PHP is considered one of the easiest scripting languages. Compared to other web languages, PHP doesn’t require a manual or intensive studying. PHP syntax is logical and well-organized. Even command functions are easy to understand, as they tell the developer what function they perform. As a result, web developers find it very easy to create and optimize the application.

2. Extremely Flexible

PHP is highly flexible whether it is during an ongoing project or after completing the project. Flexibility in a scripting language is very crucial, as functionality can change anytime during the course of a project. The best part about PHP is the ability to make changes even after starting the project and this saves valuable time.

A developer does not have to write fresh codes or command functions, as changes to the existing codes and functions can be done and used.

3. Easy Integration and Compatibility

PHP is compatible with a large majority of operating systems. It can easily run on different platforms, including UNIX, Solaris, and Linux. As it can be integrated without effort with other technologies, such as Java, existing software does not require re-development. This saves time and money.

4. Efficient Performance

Depending on how the web developer codes, PHP has the potential to turn in an efficient language. It is scalable when used for writing codes and can also be used for creating a large number of applications. It is the programming language of choice when a website has several web pages.

5. Cost-Efficient

PHP is an open-source web language, hence is completely free. There is no expense involved in purchasing expensive licenses or software. It can work efficiently with different databases, such as MySQL, Apache, and PostgreSQL. The cost of developing a website using PHP is minimal.

6. Gives Web Developer More Control

Compared to other programming languages, PHP allows the website developer to have more control. Other programming languages are bogged down by long, complicated scripts, but this isn’t true for PHP. A few simple lines of code are sufficient. Furthermore, PHP allows tags, and hence, website developers can add and/or mix HTML tags, making the content extremely dynamic.

Developers don’t have to worry about placing codes in the right place when using PHP, as it is written between tags. Hence, functions and codes do not have to be written in any specific order, as long as they are within the tags.

Wrapping Up

PHP has a very helpful, active, and widespread PHP community. Also, this scripting language offers a lot of resources, such as commands, functions, and codes, which can easily be rewritten and used without incurring any cost. The ease of use, easy integration, cost efficiency, and easy access makes PHP one of the most popular server-side programming languages.

By knowing these many advantages of PHP have you decided to build your application by PHP programing language? Get in touch with GoodWorkLabs, the renowned web and mobile application development company in Bangalore that develops amazing applications. Reach out to us and our team will discuss further about your requirements. Email us at – [email protected] or call at +91- 9863077000

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