Can you avoid LAMP development and expect growth in business?

The solution stack of software programs called LAMP, offers a wonderful platform so that web based applications can be easily developed as well as implemented. The first letters of components that are included in this formulate the name. The components are Linux which is an operating system, Apache which is a HTTP server, MySql which is the database and PHP, Perl or Python which are the scripting languages. This platform is open source; it can be used for both complex as well as simple work.

Components

Linux- This operating system is open source, ensuring efficient running of all components. Its cross-platform compatibility is a hugely popular feature.

Apache- This web server helps in connecting web applications with the users. Apache servers are responsible for the application’s stability. The conjunction between Apache and PHP result in the creation of dynamic pages, resulting in applications that are highly interactive.

MySQL- Data storing is mandatory for applications and this function is performed by the relational database management system which is highly capable and used generally to run enterprise level sites.

PHP- It acts as the glue holding every component together in the system. All dynamic content can be written in the language so that the data that is stored in the database can be accessed.

These days, most developers as well as businesses are finding it harder to avoid using LAMP with every passing day. In fact when using the platform, it is not a strict requirement for you to install all LAMP elements; you can select any one of the P elements. The platform has so many benefits that avoiding it is not really much of an option anymore. At some point or the other any of the above elements has to be used. In fact business growth may be hampered up to a certain level by avoiding LAMP development. Here is a list of benefits to show how.

Customization- The open source nature of LAMP components help in building up of a large assortment of extra modules as well as components which supply additional functionality. So you can easily customize functionality along with components that suit your requirements.

Flexibility- LAMP stack give you a bundle of unlimited options both in terms of licensing restrictions as well as technicalities. You get full flexibility so that applications can be built as well as deployed in the most suitable methods, regardless of the technology supplier currently being used.

Ease of deployment- There is no need for compiling of applications or dealing with licensing issues which make deployment really easy, just like copying some application to some new host. LAMP-based environments are provided by major hosting services as standards so that a Linux distribution may be deployed like Debian or Fedora.

Ease of development- Powerful applications can be written by virtue of the technology in relatively fewer code lines. The simplicity and straightforwardness of the code makes sure that modification or extension of the application can be done even by nonprogrammers.

Community along with support- During the deployment and development of such applications, you can take the support and help of many experienced people which makes the job a lot easier for any developer- even if he or she is new to it.

Security- The software has been developed by many people and a huge range of community groups as well as users have been using it. This has resulted in the high stability and security of the technology. Normally problems can be fixed really quickly and there is no need to go for expensive support contracts.

Despite several brand new platforms such as ASP.NET, J2EE, Ruby on Rails, etc on the market, the popularity of LAMP has not lost its sheen. The low barrier entrance along with low cost and several benefits mentioned above have contributed to its immense status, making it excellent choice for applications especially for enterprises. You can get in touch with a php application development company India who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

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PHP for Healthcare Industry - What can be done?

The innovative enterprises apps have completely transformed the healthcare industry. Many companies frequently launch healthcare applications to help users in accessing their personal healthcare records and information anytime, anywhere. At the same time, some companies even launch enterprise apps to help healthcare service providers in providing improved and prompt services to their patients without incurring any additional cost.

Many clinicians even opt for custom made healthcare solutions to avail a number of advantages. In addition to implementing electronic health record management system and billing system, the customized healthcare enterprise app will further make it easier for you to speed up insurance claim processing and market health related products and services. However, it is also important for the healthcare service provider create the customized enterprise application by using a powerful technology like PHP.

How PHP Helps Clinicians in Effectuating Healthcare Management?

Usable for Creating a Variety of Applications: Despite being designed originally as a server-side scripting language, PHP is also used as a general purpose programming language. So it can be used for creating desktop, web and mobile applications. As the healthcare application needs to be accessible by users on a variety of devices, PHP is the best option to develop the application. The application can be further accessed on major operating systems, web browsers and mobile platforms.

Create Data Driven Applications: Normally, the electronic healthcare systems are required to manage large volumes of data. The healthcare data of patients also need to be updated on a regular basis. Thus, many clinicians opt for data driven enterprise apps. A PHP application can work seamlessly with a several widely used databases including MySQL, SQLite, dBase, FrontBase, InterBase, ODBC and IBM DB2. The fast data processing feature of the programming language further makes it easier for developers to create data-driven healthcare enterprise and EHR systems.

Efficient EHR Management Systems: The EHR systems must allow patients to access their health records in a quick and hassle-free way. At the same time, the application must be effective in simultaneously processing a large number of client requests. As a powerful technology, PHP is being used by some of the very widely visited websites and social networking platforms. So the PHP healthcare application can efficiently handle a large number of visitors at a time.

Easy to Update and Share Healthcare Information: Unlike other application, an EHR system must provide the most updated information to users. Some clinics even allow patients to update their health records periodically to make the information more relevant and current. Many developers find it easier to create and maintain PHP applications. Further, the developers can add new features and functionality to the system without putting any extra effort. Thus, the system can be easily updated to meet your specific healthcare management needs.

Optimize the Application for Mobile Devices: The mobile devices have enabled patients to access their health records anytime and anywhere. Most users nowadays access their electronic health records on their smartphones, tablets and phablets. So the EHR system of a clinic must be accessible across mobile platforms and devices. The PHP frameworks have made it easier for developers to create mobile applications without putting any additional time and effort. Further, they can optimize the online healthcare management systems for the mobile devices. Thus, it becomes much easier to create a healthcare enterprise application that can be accessed by users on variety of devices.

Despite being a powerful and popular programming language, PHP is open source and free. So the technology will help you in creating the healthcare enterprise application without spending a lot of money. You can further use the open source PHP frameworks to curtail the development cost and time.You can get in touch with a php development company India who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

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PHP to Develop an E-Commerce Site - Should We Go Ahead or Not?

The right ecommerce site can make a huge difference to any business. In addition to increasing online sales and revenues, the website will further help the business in retaining valuable customers. That is why; enterprises often find it daunting to choose the right platform to gauge their business online. If you are exploring options to build your ecommerce website, it is a great idea to choose PHP.

Like other programming languages, PHP is also effective in optimizing your website’s look, feel and performance. But the technology allows you complete the project rapidly by availing navigational tools, content management systems, libraries and extensions. At the same time, you also have option to choose from widely used PHP ecommerce frameworks like Magento, X-Cart, osCommerce and Zen Cart to create and run your online store without putting any extra time and effort.

Why Use PHP Frameworks to Develop an E-Commerce Site

Add Unlimited Items and Catalogs: Once you create the ecommerce site, it has to be updated frequently to include new products and catalogs. The PHP frameworks make it easier for you to add as many catalogs you want without any hassle. Thus, the existing product list can be updated frequently to complement the expansion or growth of your online store.

Add Many Manufacturers and Brands: There are also chances that your web store has to deal with products launched by different manufacturers or under different brands. So the website needs to be updated to showcase all these brands. The widely used PHP frameworks allow you to add new manufacturers and brands without any restriction.

Support for Multiple Currencies: The web store allows you to sell products to customers residing in different countries and regions. So you have to look for a payment system that supports multiple currencies. In addition to allowing customers to see the price of a product in a specific currency, the website must allow them to pay in their own currency. The PHP frameworks enable you to add multiple currencies to the online shop. As the customers have option to pay without any hassle, the website will help in increasing your online sales.

Integrate Major Payment Gateway: To optimize the performance of your online store, you have to use one of the most widely used and popular payment gateways and online payment processor. PHP frameworks make it easier to integrate third-party applications to the website. Thus, you can always deliver richer user experience by incorporating a widely used payment gateways and online payment processing system.

Administrator Panel: An ecommerce website also needs to be updated frequently to manage both product listing and prices. So you have to explore ways to administer the web store without deploying a fulltime website admin. The PHP frameworks make it easier for you to manage the product listing and prices through an easy-to-use admin panel. The admin panel can be further customized by the developer according to the way you want to manage the ecommerce website.

Option to Post Customer Reviews: You can always enhance the credibility and reputation of your web store by allowing customers to post reviews and comments. The product reviews and ratings can be displayed on your website to gain the trust of new customers. The PHP frameworks make it easier for you to allow customers to post reviews, and showcase the reviews to new customers to gain their trust.

PHP Online Forum: While creating an ecommerce site with PHP, a developer can avail assistance from several PHP web development forums. As the technology is used widely to create ecommerce portals, the developer can avail relevant help to complete the project rapidly. At the same time, the website administrators can use PHP scripts to monitor the activities of website visitors, and take relevant action to convert them into customers.

Unlike other technologies, PHP is both open source and free. Further, you have option to create the ecommerce portal by using a number of open source PHP frameworks. Thus, PHP will further make it easier for your business to launch and run a web store without investing a lot of money.

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PHP vs. Other Open Source Technologies - Which is better?

As a powerful server-side scripting language, PHP is widely used by developers across the world to build robust and secure web applications. Many developers even use PHP as a general –purpose programming language to develop conventional software applications rapidly. Each web programmer has option to choose from a variety of open source server-side scripting languages including Ruby and Python. But each of these web programming languages has its own shortcomings. That is why; most web developers opt for PHP to overcome the limitations of other open source technologies.

Using PHP to Overcome the Shortcomings of Other Open Source Technologies

Easy to Learn

Unlike other open source technologies, PHP is simple and easy-to-learn. So a programmer can learn the language, and start using it without putting any extra time and effort. As PHP is a syntax based language, any developer familiar in C and Perl can easily master the language. He can further use the logical syntax and command function to describe a particular task without writing any lengthy code. Also, PHP code can be embedded seamlessly in the HTML source code.

Supports Major Platforms, Web Servers and Databases

Despite being open source, PHP can run on a variety of operating systems like Widows, UNIX, Mac OS and Linux. It also supports major web servers like Microsoft IIS, Apache, iPlanet server, Personal Webserver and Netscape. The PHP developer can further integrate the application will some of the widely used databases including MySQL, SQLite, dBase, FrontBase, InterBase, ODBC and IBM DB2. Thus, the PHP application can be integrated seamlessly with other technologies, while reusing the existing software components.

Short Time to Market

As a highly scalable technology, PHP makes it easier for programmers to quickly write the code, and create reliable application that can effectively serve multiple web pages. Further, the fast data processing feature makes it easier for developer to build data-driven web applications. The complex applications can also be implemented within a shorter span of time. Thus, an enterprise can always opt for PHP to beat competition by reducing the time to market. Also, the features will help businesses in curtailing the overall cost of the web application development project.

Effective in Designing High-Traffic Websites

Since its inception, PHP has been used to create a wide variety of websites and internet applications. The technology is also being used by some of the very widely visited websites like Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia. PHP is also used to build some of the widely used content management systems (CMSs). As PHP is a server side scripting language, it can be used effectively as an alternative for other CGI programs. The PHP frameworks further make it easier for developers to build and maintain the widely visited websites without putting any extra effort.

Enhanced Flexibility

In comparison to other programming languages, PHP is considered to be more flexible. The developer can avail the flexibility to create and update web applications without putting any extra effort. The frequent changes in use choices make the features and functionality of the application change throughout the lifetime of the project. As PHP allows developers to incorporate changes even after the commencing the development, the web application launch schedule remains unaffected.

Option to Use PHP Frameworks

A developer can further save time by using PHP frameworks. He also has option to choose from several open source and commercial frameworks including CakePHP, Symfony, Yii, CodeIgniter and Zend. In addition to saving developers’ time, the frameworks further make it easier to reuse the code, access API services and create plugins. As these frameworks follow design patterns, the programmers can further keep their code clean and organized. Some of these frameworks even come with SEO capabilities that make it easier for businesses to promote their web applications through major online search engines.

The PHP group has already shared the timeline for the release of upcoming versions of PHP. So a developer can always use the most recent version of the server-side scripting language to take advantages on new features and enhanced capabilities. You can get in touch with a php application development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

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Is Cake PHP the need of the hour?

Presently, one of the most demanded frameworks is CakePHP that offers integrated web solutions for PHP development environment. This framework is being extensively used by both big as well as small web development companies. It is thus immensely popular as well as full of advantages which have prompted so many people to adopt it. The framework has useful features for developers as well as clients. Some of the benefits are given here that illustrate why CakePHP has become the need of the hour.

ORM- The programming technique called Object Relational Mapping is used for conversion of data between object-oriented programming languages and incompatible type systems located in databases. This essentially means that every class represents a table and relations can be defined in the classes between other tables along with defining validation and predefining particular callbacks especially for the table. The classes as well as table can be managed in an easier way.

MVCEnvironment- The framework is a three-tier architecture that is properly defined and aids developers to work better. The patterns make separating logic and presentation very easy which further helps in case of large sites as well as applications. With the logic kept separate page presentation is easily performed.

Supports diverse technologies- The huge technical area of web development involves several available technologies so that solutions can be availed. In fact so many available technologies make it difficult for the developers to integrate several technologies with each other. Various programming languages and diverse technologies are supported by it. In fact, it may be easily extended with helpers, components, plug-ins as well as behaviours. This is again very important since partially reusable codes are created which may be used later on in some other project as well. The helpers, components, plug-ins as well as behaviours can be placed with special functionality so that the projects may be modularized.

Directorystructure- The framework has a comprehensive directory structure which makes it really easy to locate whatever the developers want. This task can be done without even touching any unnecessary configuration files. The task of web development becomes quite easy, ultimately leading to faster completion of development solution.

Properclassinheritance- Each project consists of two primary folders- one is core lib/cake/ which works as if peep show while the second is application specific one/app/. The inheritance of CakePHP is quite understandable as well as sensible. Empty AppController class can be extended by every Application specific controller; some extra logic may be extended or some core functions may be predefined so that the action is exactly like the one needed.

Debuggingandtestingtools- There are several high-quality debugging as well as testing tools. In fact tests can be created to check the various critical points of an application. There are both custom tests as well as core tests which become really handy while building large applications.

Zeroconfigurations- Configuration problems are now a thing of the past with CakePHP since the framework works without any configurations. The auto removed settings and features enable developers to work without having to configure additional settings except from features of database connection.

Secureframework- The framework falls in the category of one of the most secure as well as robust web solutions. High quality web solutions can be had and that too securely. The future products will also get the proper authorization.

Build in validation- This feature enables developers to attach several advanced validation rules to a single field.

These are only a few of the benefits offered by Cake PHP. This is actually a very useful framework, making it a great option for businesses as well as developers. Compelling and unique applications can be developed so that companies can establish a better as well as stronger web presence. Thus, Cake PHP needs a complete understanding so that better advantage can be taken of the capabilities offered. You can get in touch with a php development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.

If you would like to discuss with one of our certified php developer about your php development projects, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.