Programming: Comparison of the Best Frameworks for PHP Development in 2025

Even though there have been several alternatives for a long time, PHP remains the number one scripting and programming language in web design and web development. A large portion of the websites available on the internet today use at least some components of PHP. Whenever database connections or interaction between user and server are necessary, it is highly likely that PHP will be used. PHP is also employed as the foundation by major content management systems such as WordPress or Joomla.

To simplify development with PHP, there are a number of frameworks available. These are not IDEs per se, but rather assistive tools for programming online platforms, marketplaces, and much more. Here, we will explain in more detail what a PHP framework is and how it works. Furthermore, we have compared the six best PHP frameworks and will introduce them to you here as well.

Development of an Online Platform

What is a PHP Framework?

A PHP framework is not an integrated development environment as you might know it as a programmer – even though such environments can certainly be integrated with a PHP framework. Rather, it is a collection of code and scripts that you regularly need for development with PHP. This ensures that you do not have to rewrite standard code over and over again. It also helps reduce the risk of errors creeping into your code.

Using a PHP framework makes the development overall simpler and faster. Nowadays, there are a number of different PHP frameworks on the market. These are either function- or component-based, or they are full-stack frameworks.

The Essentials in Brief

How Does a PHP Framework Work?

A PHP framework is a collection of scripts and functions that are frequently used in PHP. They exist either as individual scripts or are combined in a graphical interface. With simple shortcuts or menus, many common functions can be created. Shortcuts or ready-made scripts for things like comment fields or contact forms are also available and can be inserted with just one click.

This makes development with PHP significantly faster, as you can forgo a large part of important functions. Instead, these are inserted automatically or with a mouse click. Additionally, this reduces the likelihood of errors creeping into your code.

Today, there are many different frameworks, and most developers who work professionally with PHP rely on a proper PHP framework that assists them in developing and designing scripts and platforms based on PHP.

The Advantages of a PHP Framework

As you could infer from the text above, there are numerous reasons in favor of a PHP framework. A common problem that programmers face is repetitive code. Every website requires an HTML, HEAD, and BODY element, and every C program requires a main function to start. If you had to rewrite these or other functions and elements every time, you would lose a great deal of time and run the risk of introducing errors. A PHP framework addresses exactly this issue. It is designed to provide you with a basic code structure to work with. Additionally, it saves you the effort of repeatedly rewriting standard code.

Many important functions and options can be inserted quickly with just a few clicks, through shortcuts, or by simply typing a few characters. Furthermore, PHP framework scripts are generally optimized in many ways. With PHP frameworks, work becomes significantly cleaner, easier, and more organized.

The Disadvantages of a PHP Framework

A PHP framework also has some disadvantages, which we would like to briefly explain to you below. First of all, functionality can be an issue. Full-stack frameworks are usually very complex and come with many functions that require a longer familiarization period. On the other hand, modular PHP frameworks are typically designed for a specific purpose and may need to be extended with additional modules at an extra cost. This may necessitate the use of multiple frameworks or an investment in a particular framework.

Furthermore, while frameworks take away a lot of tedious work, you still have to make various adjustments yourself. If errors or incompatibilities occur, it can sometimes take a while to identify or fix the issue, as you have to work through code that you did not write yourself. Despite these disadvantages, a PHP framework is in any case recommended, as the advantages clearly outweigh them.

PHP programming is often in demand for web development.

Who is a PHP Framework Suitable For?

A PHP framework is highly recommended for every professional PHP developer who regularly works with the programming language. PHP can also be used to create complex online platforms such as learning platforms. The framework not only makes work faster and easier but also more enjoyable. The many tools and functions not only prevent repetitive code writing but also automatically take over many tedious tasks that you would otherwise have to handle manually.

In general, by using a PHP framework, you save valuable time and develop more cleanly and reliably than if you had to rewrite all the code by hand repeatedly.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing a PHP Framework?

There are a multitude of different PHP frameworks. They differ in functions, capabilities, and scope. Additionally, there are differences in costs and in the framework’s structure. Generally, modular systems are best, as they offer the greatest flexibility. Before choosing a PHP framework, you should consider which projects you intend to use the framework for. Do you work on a wide variety of projects, or are they always similar scripts and apps? Only by planning thoroughly in advance can you find and select the framework that is right for you and your project.

The Costs of a PHP Framework

The costs of a PHP framework usually vary significantly. While there are many free frameworks available for immediate use, there are also some frameworks for which you may have to pay a considerable amount. In addition, some PHP frameworks are free in their basic version but can be expanded with additional modules or functions at a cost, which complete the framework and allow you to tailor it to your individual needs.

Before deciding on a PHP framework, you should compare the costs in detail. In doing so, you should not only consider the price but also the functions and capabilities. Furthermore, you should take into account the long-term projects you intend to complete with the framework. Only in this way can you find the framework that is right for you and your project.

The Top 6 PHP Frameworks Compared

Below, we present the six best frameworks. In doing so, we not only provide a general overview of the PHP framework itself, but also briefly cover the functions, costs, and other important aspects.

1. Laravel – the Frontrunner

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One of the best-known PHP frameworks and the market leader for several years is the PHP framework Laravel. Laravel is distinguished primarily by its clear structure and relatively simple operation, which allows you to develop clean PHP scripts and apps with ease.

Furthermore, Laravel also offers a local version of the popular PHP framework under the name Homestead. With Homestead, you can develop with PHP offline, directly on your local computer, and benefit from the same features and advantages as the Laravel PHP framework.

Additionally, Laravel is an open-source framework with a large, professional, and very helpful community that is happy to assist you with questions and problems, whether you are a beginner or a professional.

Target Audience

Professional Programmers with Diverse Projects

2. Symfony – PHP Framework with Drupal Integration

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Symfony is a PHP framework that is fully integrated into the Drupal content management system. With Symfony, you can easily write professional PHP as well as HTML code.

It is also particularly convenient that with Symfony you can create your own reusable scripts, objects, and functions. Once programmed, these scripts can be used across projects wherever necessary. Examples include contact forms, comment boxes, or other scripts that are frequently used on many websites.

Target Audience

PHP Programmers Who Work with Drupal

3. CodeIgniter – Lightweight with Good Performance

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CodeIgniter is a lightweight PHP framework. The framework is small, compact, and quick to install. For this reason, CodeIgniter boasts excellent performance that quickly outshines many other frameworks.

The installation is particularly simple and fast. Initially, only the necessary base packages are installed. However, after installation, you have the option to add additional packages as needed. The advantage is that with CodeIgniter you install only the functions you actually require. If your needs change over time, you can simply add the missing components later. This way, CodeIgniter remains compact and fast, and you don’t have to deal with functions that you will likely never need for development.

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Target Audience

PHP Programmers Who Are Looking for a Compact Framework

4. Yii – Compact PHP Framework for Similar Projects

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Yii is very popular among developers, primarily due to its ease of use and good performance. This PHP framework particularly shines where the same or similar apps and scripts are created frequently or predominantly.

Yii makes development especially easy by preventing you from having to manually insert code snippets or frequently recurring code into your script. Instead, Yii does this automatically. This small and compact framework is also easy to install and can be operated without any fuss. You save yourself from dealing with unnecessary functions that you might not need and that could negatively affect performance.

Target Audience

Programmers in Search of a Compact Framework

5. CakePHP – the Veteran of PHP Frameworks

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CakePHP is one of the oldest PHP frameworks on the market. Despite its age, the PHP framework remains very popular, is continuously developed, and is expanded with new features.

What is particularly practical about CakePHP is its modular structure. In its basic version, only the most important functions are included. However, these can be significantly expanded through various extensions and modules.

In addition, the PHP framework CakePHP enables you to create a large number of stand-alone apps and databases, making development particularly simple. In the latest version, you also benefit from improved session management for a more organized workflow and enhanced stability.

Target Audience

Programmers in Search of a Stable and Reliable Framework

Our Conclusion

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