Best PHP Frameworks For Beginners To Consider in 2022

Evidently, web frameworks include one of the most important modules for developing a great website. Therefore choosing the ideal framework is equally important as going with the perfect programming language. Obviously, we cannot forget to mention PHP web development frameworks when we are talking about ideal frameworks. Web PHP frameworks are among the widely-used general-purpose scripting language best suitable for web development. This is because of its simplicity and learning curve that it has become one of the most web programming languages. 

A huge majority of websites (81%) still primarily utilize top PHP frameworks for their development globally. Not only this, but according to W3Techs, the web PHP framework is eight times more popular than ASP.NET. That is, it is considered its nearest rival in server-side programming languages. 

It’s no surprise that many prominent names like Facebook, VK.com, Wikipedia, and many more prefer to work with the top PHP frameworks. In addition, most web PHP frameworks can be embedded into HTML easily. No doubt, the popularity of static analysis tools in the PHP web development framework continues to grow gradually. 

Surely, millions of developers rely on this programming language from all over the world. Hence, choosing the best PHP web frameworks becomes the most significant factor for your project development needs. This article will cover the most popular PHP frameworks for your web development and how they compare to their competitors. Here we have focused on two types of PHP web application frameworks: Full-stack PHP frameworks and some Micro PHP frameworks. In addition, we have provided an in-depth overview of the merits and demerits of the most popular PHP frameworks. 

What are Web PHP frameworks?

Definitely, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) includes one of the quick, scalable, easy-to-use, and super popular scripting web languages. PHP web development frameworks act as the most reliable choice for developers for the development of cross-platform web applications. Consequently, this beloved web framework provides developers with multi-feature options. Working with the best PHP framework for beginners benefits developers to build an entire website by cutting down the amount of original coding. Moreover, it enables them to focus deeply on managing complex continents, session tracking, and even databases.

Certainly, the PHP web development frameworks have managed to maintain a consistent usage share line over the past few years. However, it has introduced its latest version i.e. 8.1.  Still, most developers prefer to use its earlier version (7.4) only. This might be because of its wide variety of useful features and easy learning curve. Some top features such as core libraries, code editors, configuration routines, and design architecture make it super convenient to use.

The ultimate goal of such PHP development frameworks includes streamlining the web development life cycle by automating repetitive tasks. It provides the best design and pre-coded functions and deploys the database manipulation operations to solve different software queries. In the end, developers love the top PHP frameworks for their handy and best practice methods. However, the only hurdle coming its way includes selecting the right PHP web frameworks most suitable for achieving desired goals. 

Finding the best PHP framework for beginners

Obviously, the market has a long list of the best PHP web frameworks and tools to help our projects. However, finding the perfect fit for your requirements can be quite time-consuming. Hence, we have curated a list of the most popular PHP frameworks from our experience to help you build progressive web designs. But first, let us understand the need of using the right PHP development frameworks for developing the perfect web apps. 

Why do you need top PHP frameworks in the first place? And how to know which PHP web application is right for you? Well, below we have provided all the relevant information that you must know before switching to the most popular PHP frameworks. 

Why should you switch to PHP web development frameworks?

Writing a PHP script from scratch can be complicated as it requires you to write the same functions multiple times. Therefore, the introduction of PHP development frameworks comes as a boon to many developers. Top PHP frameworks provide an effective solution to developing ideal PHP web application frameworks. Clearly, it gives many good reasons to work with the most popular PHP frameworks as opposed to coding from scratch. 

1. MVC model saves a ton of development time

Most popular PHP frameworks include ready-made development components to speed up the complex development process. Most of the full-stack PHP web development frameworks utilize the MVC model to write the same codes for different components. These components include Model, View, and Controller. 

MVC model divides the process into three components. With this in mind, it offers a parallel workflow and fastens the process within the team. The tools and resources improve the workflow by avoiding repetitive codings. Additionally, it allows developers to simply pick the pre-saved functions instead of writing from scratch. 

2. Better team collaboration

As the development stage involves many complex steps like designing decisions, documentation, and code standards. Having reasonable transparency among team members is super important for making your project a hit as well as incorporating a good web too. As a consequence, the PHP framework provides that clarity by improving engagement. With it, team members enjoy the power to easily collaborate and learn different aspects of the process quickly. 

Equally, it enables all the team members to stay on the same page by following single code standards. Briefly, the PHP frameworks approach also follows setting parameters for the script. Thus, reducing the chances of any miscommunication in the scripting. Furthermore, its clear documentation enables developers to easily get familiar with the frameworks.

3. DRY principle ensures good coding practices with maximum impact

PHP development frameworks ensure following the coding best practices for maximum impact. In that case, it allows you to write codes in a neat and presentable manner by dividing the codes based on their functions. 

Hence, making the process easier to maintain. In addition, the best PHP web framework encourages the DRY principle i.e. Don’t repeat yourself approach. Therefore, it allows developers to refactor already written codes saving a lot of time. 

4. Better security from common security threats

Basic security threats include cross-site scripting, SQL injection attacks, or cross-site request forgery. And top PHP frameworks offer significant steps to secure your application’s code from vulnerable attacks. 

Furthermore, built-in data sanitization against hacker exploits helps the application minimize the risks involved. Decidedly, we can say that working with PHP development frameworks recuses the percentage of security threats. 

5. Libraries for common tasks

Most of the top PHP frameworks consist of pre-built core libraries integrated for quick and easy testing. Similarly, the web development process includes many common tasks for developing web applications. 

And libraries allow them to simply copy-paste the common functions rather than writing codes from scratch. In simple terms, the precoded elements enable developers to avoid repetition while streamlining the development stage. 

6. With Frameworks, Projects Become Easier to Maintain

Again, you don’t have to write all the coding manually or repeat yourself. Hence, this results in providing leaner codebases that need low maintenance. Furthermore, this makes it easy for programmers since everything is already done for them 

Clearly, avoiding such advantages is hard to do. Isn’t it? To conclude, the responsiveness of applications developed using the most popular PHP frameworks allows organizations to achieve their performance goals. Hence, it will continue to gain attention in the upcoming time as well.  By understanding all these advantages, it would be easier to look around the best PHP framework for beginners. But before jumping on that, it’s time to understand the maintenance of PHP web development frameworks. 

How hard are PHP development frameworks to maintain?

As mentioned earlier, most of the top PHP frameworks tend to be easier to maintain in general. The workflows are usually maintained and updated by the core programmers or with the help of some community. Comparatively, PHP frameworks don’t require a high level of maintenance. In fact, you need to follow the conventions that help you to maintain the project easily. 

However, it’s important to detect and diagnose software errors in the PHP workflow. But with the use of a suitable PHP error monitoring tool, you can easily track the errors affecting your project. Accordingly, such smart software benefits the application by altering the issues the second they try to enter your way. 

Now that we have understood the benefits and maintenance of using PHP web development frameworks. It’s time to focus on important considerations to look before choosing the best PHP framework for beginners. 

Things to look for in your best PHP Framework

Google provides us with a long list of top PHP frameworks. And clearly, it becomes hard to pick the perfect one from that. Finding the perfect PHP web application framework needs a lot of research. Firstly, you need to deeply analyze your project requirements before opting for the most suitable PHP web development frameworks. Below, we have highlighted a few points to look at before deciding on the right web PHP framework. 

1. Easy learning curve

First, you must look after the learning curve of the desired PHP web development frameworks. Obviously, every web PHP framework contains different conventions which decide the time to understand how to use it. And beginning with a totally new framework results in an intimidating experience. 

Something easier to learn and use would be an excellent choice for your team. As you don’t want most of the precious time to be invested in understanding the framework. Hence, it’s important to consider the availability of documentation for reducing the learning time. 

2. Choose the best PHP web framework with the right balance of debugging features

Secondly, you need to evaluate the features incorporated in the top PHP web development frameworks. Not all PHP frameworks will work appropriately for your needs. You need to find something that matches your experience and knowledge. The right debugging feature ensures the application that it functions to its best ability. Select a framework with the right balance of features based on your requirements. Some preferable features in top PHP frameworks include:

• Caching storage
• Templating engine 
• Security 
• Testing 

3. Does the framework enjoy good documentation and active community support?

Thirdly, you need to look after the community support of the desired PHP web development frameworks. Popularity and community support definitely include significant factors to consider before selecting the right PHP web development framework. Evidently, most of the top PHP  frameworks are community-driven. 

And a large community of effective developers ensures that there are several individuals to improve and maintain the framework. Similarly, a well-documented framework effectively communicated all the hidden points in the workflow. 

4. Security of PHP web application framework

Fourthly, we need to evaluate the security of PHP web development frameworks. Unquestionably, top PHP frameworks must incorporate effective security mechanisms for web applications. You must look after the scalability of the desired PHP frameworks. For instance, some of the best PHP web frameworks offer cross-site scripting protection and cookie attack prevention to their users. 

5. Philosophy and Sustainability for choosing the best PHP web framework

Lastly, we must look after the philosophy and sustainability of the desired most popular PHP frameworks. In simple terms, before going with a particular web PHP framework, it’s crucial to capture the primary goal in the first place. If its philosophy doesn’t match your project needs, maybe you need to find an alternative now.

Firstly, understand the primary goal of the desired PHP frameworks. Secondly, check the sustainability of the web PHP framework. Lastly, ensure that will it support your technology stack both now and after some time. Effective caching systems help to improve the performance of the application by automatically saving all the static data. 

To conclude, we have tested all these considerations individually and have narrowed the list for you. Below we have curated the list of 11 best PHP web frameworks based on their capability to improve application development. 

11 Most Popular PHP Frameworks

Over the years many new PHP development frameworks have been introduced to overcome the shortcoming of traditional PHP web development frameworks. Consequently, choosing the right fit for your needs might be difficult. Therefore, we have provided detailed insights on some of the most popular PHP frameworks. Now let’s have deep insights into what each of these top PHP frameworks has to offer. 

1. Laravel

Launched as a free, open-source project that gained immense popularity in 2012. Of course, this happened when Twitter suddenly announced working with Laravel instead of CakePHP. The web PHP frameworks for beginners have been used to develop hundreds of websites now. Indeed, it makes web development a lot easier and safer. 

Well-known for its vast ecosystem, it efficiently benefits users with the secure handling of complex web applications. Evidently, it smoothly eases down all the manual tasks by automating them. Lastly, the PHP web application framework integrates more than 20 built-in libraries that help to make the process easier. 

Key features of this PHP web application framework such as:

• Security and scalability 
• Email integrations 
• Active community support 
• MVC model support 
• Functionality packages 

First appeared: 2011

Developer: Taylor Otwell

Reasons to use this web PHP framework

• First, easy to use 
• Official pre-packaged box with the excellent development environment 
• It offers a range of security features 
• One of the fastest rich featured PHP frameworks 
• Last, supports automation, and testing and saves a lot of time

Reasons to avoid: 

• Problematic updates 
• Compex caching methods 
• This PHP web application framework is difficult to transfer Legacy systems 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• Coca-cola, 
• Yahoo!, 
• Nike, 
• Hulu.

Type: PHP MVC framework 

2. CodeIgniter

Codelgniter provides programmers with one of the best alternatives for the Laravel PHP web application framework. In fact, it aims to make the online workflow process complex-free. Currently, this best PHP web framework offers wide options to choose from third-party libraries. Hence, it results in improving productivity beyond the default functions. 

The lightweight PHP web application framework comes with the smallest footprints of file size nearly 2MB inclusive of documentation. Also, its special pre-built modules work best for creating a dynamic website with robust elements. On the whole, its library incorporates a simple interface and involves a logical structure to access. 

Key features such as

• Steps encryption and simple security 
• Extendable 
• Easy to implement CRUD operations 
• Encourages quicker page loads  

First appeared: 2006 

Developers: EllisLab, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Codelgniter foundation. 

Reasons to use: 

• Consequently, its simple and clear structure makes it convenient for beginners who don’t want to spend much time studying complex areas. 
• Fast PHP web application framework with a light footprint 
• Support multiple caching methods 
• Comparatively easy learning curve 
• Built-in security tools 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Meanwhile, it does not support modular code separation 
• No in-built ORM 
• Comparatively fewer tools and libraries

Examples of popular companies using it:  

• Udemy, 
• QuinStreet, 
• Adobe, 
• Medical Guardian

Type: PHP MVC framework 

3. Symfony

No doubt, Symfony offers developers a powerful MVC PHP web application framework. This best PHP web framework for building strong apps easily. Significantly, its versatility includes one of the key reasons for its popularity. Currently, the software solely intends to serve the goals of constructing large-scale applications. Hence, it makes the setup and configurations easier while supporting one-click deployment. 

Being an extensive PHP web application framework, it offers a wide availability of libraries and components. In the end, this web PHP framework for beginners includes a desirable choice when looking for a flexible and feature-rich application. 

Key features such as 

• Easy development of APIs and microservices 
• Consequently, it supports MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and SAP
• Reduces repetitive coding 
• Database-engine independent

First appeared: 2005 

Developer: Symfony community 

Reasons to use: 

• Super scalable and flexible 
• Support most of the databases 
• In-built toolbar for debugging 
• Uses Twig templating engine 
• Huge community with over 60,000 developers 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Difficult file parsing 
• Currently, the speed includes the major drawback 
• Comparatively steeper learning curve

Examples of popular companies using this web PHP framework: 

• Open sky, 
• DrupalB, 
• eZ, 
• Publish.

Type: PHP MVC framework 

4. CakePHP

CakePHP, one of the most popular PHP frameworks, helps in developing your own social network websites like Facebook or Twitter.  The framework was developed utilizing the MVC architecture enables programmers to easily incorporate codes and functions. Not only this but this best PHP framework for beginners also offers free software too. 

To be precise, the software was launched in two versions. First of which was introduced in 2006 and the other in 2011. Although the MySQL connection supports both versions. Its incorporated set of libraries and elements enables users to quickly develop commercial applications. In addition, the framework works with CoC i.e convention over configuration approach. Consequently, this approach deeply explains the coding standards programmers need to follow. 

Key features such as 

• Cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery
• SQL injection prevention
• Pre-built ORM 

First appeared: 2005

Developer: Cake software foundation, Inc.

Reasons to use 

• Minimal configuration 
• Subsequently, it offers pre-built ORM 
• Excellent security features 
• Plug-in support for cleaner codes 

Reasons to avoid 

• Slow performance 
• One-way routing 
• Documentation lacks some criteria 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• MBW, 
• Hyundai,  
• Express.

Type: PHP MVC Framework 

5. Yii

Yii includes another great choice to consider in your best PHP framework for beginners list. The quick and component bases PHP web application framework gives users an excellent experience of speed and performance. Evidently, Yii offers a strict framework that requires knowledge of all OOPs concepts. In addition, it also provides a strong class code generator called Gii. 

This PHP web development framework truly offers a plethora of control channels to monitor the functioning of the entire website. Its simplified and easy-to-use interface makes its favorite web PHP framework of developers. Furthermore, it enables programmers to add additional features later making it the best PHP web framework. 

Key features such as 

• Extensible 
• Efficient testing of unit and functionalities 
• Layered caching support 
• Encryption and authentication 

First appeared: 2008 

Reasons to use: 

• Well written documentation 
• Comes with several security measures 
• Gii code generator and third-party support 
• Supports four types of caching 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Comparatively less number of experts 
• Does not offer AR queries 
• Seeks more attention from developers 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• Deloitte,
• General Electric,
• Crowdcube. 

Type: PHP MVC framework

6. Laminas (Formerly Zend) Framework

Initially known as Zend Framework, Laminas acts as one of the most popular PHP frameworks for object-oriented projects. The framework has had more than 570 million downloads now. 

It offers an open-source framework that focuses on developing high-quality websites for business-oriented customers. This best PHP framework for beginners is customizable and easily integrates with external libraries. Cleary, its security, speed, and performance elements contribute a lot to the rising popularity of the framework. 

Key features such as 

• Extendible interfaces
• Simple cloud API, session management, and encrypted databases
• Drag and drop editor with a digital debugging tool 
• MVC architecture 
• Integration with external libraries 

First appeared: 2006 

Developer: Linux Foundation 

Reasons to use: 

• Comes with a forum and Slack group for collaborations 
• Most used framework at enterprise levels 
• Used for creating Restful APIs 
• Can use components of own choice 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Heavy framework 
• Higher cost of plug-ins 
• Large documentation with minimal detail 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• IBM, 
• Google, 
• Microsoft.

Type: PHP MVC framework 

7. Phalcon

Phalcon PHP web frameworks provide us with a fast framework with MVC architecture. As one of the most popular PHP frameworks, Phalcon works on C and C++. However, users can only download the extensions and libraries that they require in their projects. 

Additionally, the best PHP framework for beginners also offers extensive options to construct flawless apps. Therefore, this results in making the workflow development simple and uncluttered. Not to mention, that this best PHP web framework offers extensive documentation in comparison to other most popular PHP frameworks. 

Key features:

• Asset management 
• Code compilation and MVC model 
• VOLT template engines 
• Universal autoloader and caching 
• Support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite 

First appeared: 2012

Developer: Andres Gutierrez and others 

Reasons to use: 

• Best PHP framework for beginners that can create its own directory structure quickly
• Brilliant security components 
• Uses Volt as templating engine 
• Support from multiple social media channels, documentation, discord chats, forums, and stack flow. 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Does not support shared hosting 
• Not much popular 
• Require basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript before starting 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• Uran sports club, 
• Edureka, 
• The Proshore,
• Outsmart. 

Type: PHP MVC framework 

8. FuelPHP

The best PHP web framework for effective security features includes FuelPHP. It offers a full-featured solution that works with the HMVC model (Hierarchical Model-View-Controller) takes comparatively less time and consumes less memory. Therefore, users don’t need to rewrite the content used on similar pages. 

In addition, this best PHP framework for beginners provides comes with excellent community support. The community-driven solution involves over 300 contributors over its lifetime. Above all, the framework includes the best option for those who focus on the security measures of the application. 

Key features: 

• One of the best PHP development frameworks for robust security functions
• URL routing system 
• CRSF and XSS filtering 
• Better code organization 

First appeared: 2011 

Developer: Dan Horrigan 

Reasons to use:

•  Works using both MVC and HMVC 
• Takes the security part seriously 
• Comes with its own command line utility 
• Lightweight 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Documentation guides keep changing with every update
• Not beginner friendly 
• Not much active community 

Popular names using: 

• Spookies, 
• Amitum, 
• InventoryBase. 

Type: PHP HMVC framework

9. PHPixie

This popular full stack PHP web framework based on HMVC architecture aims to build highly optimized web applications. Subsequently, this best PHP web framework effectively upgrades the new features resulting in high performance. Furthermore, the solution comes with great community support. Not to mention, the elements incorporated have been fully tested with minimum dependencies. 

Key features such as 

• Routing system 
• Follows DRY’s principle 
• ORM and MongoDB support 
• Low coupling

First appeared: 2012

Reasons to use 

• Good for social networking applications 
• Supports independent components 
• Easy to understand and learn 
• Effortlessly expandable that comes with full-stack PHP development frameworks 

Reasons to avoid 

• Not much popular 
• Fewer modules than other PHP development frameworks 

Examples of popular companies using it: 

• Amazon EKS, 
• Google Kubernetes Engine,  
• Azure Kubernetes Service. 

Type: PHP MVC framework

10. Fat-free

Fat-free framework (F3) offers users a great combination of useful features, simplicity, and speed. Most importantly, the solution comes with all the functionalities that you would expect in your ideal PHP web framework. 

Not only this, but it enables users to extend it as much as possible with its multiple plugins. In addition, it doesn’t add any default code that you don’t require in the project. Therefore, results in the development of the app as minimal as required. Furthermore, this best PHP framework for beginners offers template engine choices.  

Key features such as:

• Lightweight codebases
• Multiple database compatibility 
• Optional plugins 
• Modular PHP development frameworks

First appeared: 2009 

Developer: Bong Cosca

Reasons to use:

• Clear documentation 
• Wide community support 
• Easy to use, fast, and modular framework 
• Extendable 

Reasons to avoid: 

• Not much popular as compared to other PHP development frameworks
• Comparatively low community support than other PHP development frameworks 

Examples of popular companies using this best PHP framework for beginners: 

• Banker online, 
• PC Specs, 
• Andiamo, 
• Eloquens. 

Type: PHP MVC framework

11.  Aura

Lastly, another best PHP framework for beginners supports the development of both mobile and web applications. Above all, it comes with multi-tier components removing the gap between users and the server side. The framework enables users to focus on the logic and interaction of the app. Certainly, Aura comes with higher compatibility and rich components for developing powerful apps.  In addition, the app optimization is done based on the component level. 

Key features such as 

• OOP based principles 
• Connects the server, browser, and network
• Interacts with different components 

First appeared: 2014

Developer: Salesforce

Reasons to use this best PHP framework for beginners:

• Frees up time for developers 
• Fast and heavily tested 
• Web-centric application 
• Enjoyable user experience

Reasons to avoid: 

• Less active community as compared to other PHP development frameworks
• Not much popular

Examples of Popular companies using it: 

Type: PHP UI framework 

Above we have done a comparison between the most popular PHP frameworks available in the market. This will help you to determine the best suitable PHP web application framework for yourself. 

Top 4 Micro PHP Frameworks

Now that we have discussed some of the top PHP frameworks, it’s time to cover the micro PHP web development frameworks too. A full stack framework helps programmers to focus on the entire spectrum of web development. On the other hand, Micro PHP development frameworks focus on fewer features. But those are crucial for developing small-scale applications with specific uses. 

Slim

Firstly, the Slim framework offers us one of the most lightweight yet fast HTTP APIs with swift typing. Above all, the framework emphasizes HTTP requests and responses and does not depend on any third-party dependencies. Evidently, this solution is comparatively more light weighted than other PHP web application frameworks. Some of its major features include URL routing, client-side HTTP caching, cookie encryption, and more. In addition, we cannot forget to mention its ten times faster speed than typical frameworks. 

Lumen

Secondly, the developer’s team behind Larvel also developed this micro PHP framework in 2014. Hence, it enables users to use as many Larvel functions as possible. Lumen framework supports several methods for simple caching and session support. Moreover, its services focus on providing lightweight usage. 

Silex

Thirdly, the Silex PHP framework uses Smphoy template engines and was developed in 2010. This micro PHP framework aims to handle small-scale projects with feature-rich applications. No doubt, the alternative is extremely lightweight. In addition, the framework offers two versions: Fat and Slim. 

Zend Expression

Finally, the Zend expression offers a DB component from Zend Framework. The framework is popular for RESTAPI and single-page applications (SPAs). 

The best PHP web framework for your requirements: Ending thoughts!

Most of the time sticking to simpler and easy-to-use frameworks works perfectly for developing an ideal web application. Apart from this, focusing on the feature-rich PHP frameworks would definitely master the criteria. But if you need to pick one, below we have stated our top choices for PHP frameworks for different requirements:  

• Firstly, Codelgniter and Yii offer the best PHP framework for beginners with their straightforward interface. Their clear documentation walks us through the entire development process with MVC patterns and how to work with databases. Furthermore, even if you make a mistake, it helps you to debug and continue the process quickly. 
• Secondly, Laravel offers us a great PHP web framework for great extendability and high-quality application. 
• Thirdly, Symfony provides the best PHP web framework for debugging systems and extensive documentation.
• Fourthly, Laminas gives the best object-oriented PHP framework. 
• Fifthly, FuelPHP provides us with a strong alternative with HMVC support. 
• Sixthly, Slime, a popular micro PHP framework, helps in developing applications with HTTP requests.
• Seventhly, PHPixie is a great framework with fully featured- tested independent elements. 
• Lastly, the Fat-free framework offers us a great framework that comes with brilliant plugins. 

In conclusion, we can say that PHP frameworks provide us with basic groundwork requirements. So that programmers can actually focus on other significant aspects of development rather than repetitive tasks.

This article has covered the popular features of the top PHP frameworks. However, if you still have any confusion about which web PHP framework to commit to, then our experts will help you to understand your requirements and select the right PHP web development frameworks that will help you to stand out in the market. You can state your queries in the comments below or reach out to us directly.

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