What is a PHP framework?
A PHP framework is a platform to build PHP web applications. PHP frameworks provide libraries for commonly used functions, which helps to cut down on the amount of original code developers need to write from scratch.
A PHP framework provides a basic foundation for the development of web applications in PHP. Frameworks are useful because they speed up and standardize the development process, reducing doubts about how to start building an application.
Why use a PHP framework?
There are several reasons for using PHP frameworks compared to coding from scratch:
- Faster development – The time required for development is much less because of built-in libraries and tools.
- Better performance – Since frameworks are thoroughly tested for quality and performance, using PHP frameworks helps businesses meet their performance needs.
- Less code – The need to write original code is reduced when using functions built-in to frameworks.
- Libraries for common operations – Many tasks that developers need to perform when building applications can be repetitive e.g. validation, data cleaning, and CRUD operations. Frameworks allow performing such common tasks using built-in functions.
- Following best practices – PHP frameworks usually follow best-practices e.g. they organize code in a clean and maintainable way and follow good naming conventions.
- More secure – Using PHP frameworks minimizes chances of exploits such as cross-site scripting and SQL injection. Good PHP frameworks have built-in defenses against such common threats.
- Enable teamwork – Using frameworks sets clear rules for projects enabling developers to pick them up quickly and work collaboratively.
- Better maintainability – PHP frameworks help create a leaner and more maintainable codebase. Also, the maintenance of the core framework itself is taken care of by the developers of the framework.
