Laravel taking the PHP community by storm - Few reasons

Laravel is the new PHP framework on the block that is hailed as ‘frameworks for the artisans.’ It has emerged as a fresh gust of wind for the developers who want to enjoy their creative work. It is a classy and clean framework that liberates the PHP developers from the complex spaghetti codes. Yet Laravel helps to come up with impressive applications by utilizing expressive as well as lucid syntax. Although there are experts who opine that all the frameworks are equal and choosing one is merely a personal preference. But when it comes to Laravel the primary reason for its popularity lies in the fact that it enjoys support from a huge community of developers.

Developers generally opt for an open source mainly because there is an active and vibrant community that keeps coming up with popular ideas. This, in turn, helps in creating a rich ecosystem of code snippets, modules, etc. Such an ecosystem will always beat a database created by a certain company. The richness of the database depends on the size of the community. Thankfully, Laravel has a huge community that keeps on growing with each passing day. In this regard, it is reminiscent of Ruby on Rails that had emerged a few years back.

There are various reasons why this framework is preferred by the developers. Let’s begin with its migrations. For creating a database an application needs a quite simple schema with a 5 columned table. The table is required to store title, description, ID, timestamps, etc when the task is created and later updated. To meet this end, there is a feature known as the migrations in Laravel. These are in the form of files which can be used to update the database. Every time they are executed, the schema will alter in a manner that it becomes easy for the developers to update it.

Another reason why it is slowly capturing the PHP market is because it is easy to learn. The learning curve helps you to pick up the technicalities quickly and creating RESTful objects, web interfaces and MVC blocks are no trouble at all. In addition, it uses Composer, Eloquent (as the database abstraction model), Blade (templating standard), Artisan and automatic code generation tool. There are several developers who are unfamiliar with these tools. Thus, it might take a little bit of time to get accustomed to framework. However, once one gets the hang of things, building custom web applications become quite fast. Even a large one can be developed within a short span of time.

Laravel is hugely dependant on the various external packages for its functionality. Composer comes across the dependency manager here. You may as is why should this be important? Well, the composer makes it simple for the beginners to set up the project. There is no need to download zip files online or opt for cloning from github. All that a developer is required to do is click on the run and the entire copy of Laravel will be at your behest. On the other hand, the Artisan is a powerful tool. With this it expands and now the developers can use it to run various kinds of tasks. If you simply type ‘php artisan’ on your terminal window, it will open up multiple options.

There seems to be a perfect balance between usability and flexibility for creating anything that can be implemented online and yet save the long coding hours. However, saving time is not the only criterion that defines a good framework. What makes Laravel stand out is its performance. Of course, it feels all good when you do not have to spend huge hours building a web app. But once you are successful your app must be capable to handle all the hits it receives on being popular. In this regard it is important that your framework provides the necessary support. In fact, this is how a good and poor framework is judged. There are many who are reluctant to invest in testing tools. Under such circumstances, one can opt for finding the reports on a framework’s scalability and performance that are published on the web. You will find that Laravel has garnered good reviews for itself. In fact, it has emerged as a better option when compared to Zend or Yii. Generally frameworks perform faster when they are limited. But in this regard also Laravel scores better than Cake PHP and Zend.

It is due to these vast opportunities that Laravel is becoming a preferable choice for the developers. You can hire developers from PHP development company who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide PHP application development services. If you would like to hire PHP programmers for your web development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

CodeIgniter and Its Importance to PHP

CodeIgniter (CI) is actually an open source web application framework that is designed to facilitate rapid web development. The framework is mainly used to build dynamic sites with the help of PHP.

It is extremely powerful and comes with an inbuilt code management system, which helps in providing cost effective PHP solutions besides helping in production of code that is easier to browse as well as write, thereby resulting in significant time as well as cost saving.

As it is an open source application, it is free and is readily available, it is light-weight, and extremely easy to use as well as to incorporate. Following are the features of CI, which make the application so much important when it comes to PHP development.

User Guide

One of the most significant features that make the framework so much important, is its user guide that to say the least, is extremely useful as well as quite impressive. The documentation is done in the most professional way that comes in handy for the PHP developers, especially when it comes to coding.

Simplicity

CI is user-friendly, simple, and a significant proportion of the operation is completed through library uploading. Besides, as the workings are open as well as clear, it is fairly easy to comprehend and naturally is easy to use.

Model Handling

When it comes to dealing with models, CI uses a straightforward process, thereby imitating the standard SQL queries with the use of some simple commands.

Data Validation

It also helps in data validation, which is a major aspect while dealing with models, where validation of data is done with the use of validation of class. Thus, it becomes absolutely imperative for the PHP developers to know about CodeIgniter for effective code implementation.

Other advantages that CI offers to PHP developers include:

• Easy, hassle-free, as well as seamless migration from one server to another followed by a smooth installation.
• It is extremely easy to handle and customize to meet the need of the clients
• As it is built with a framework that is MVC based, it comes with a lot of flexibility as well as easy management.

It is important for the PHP developers to know about CodeIgniter as it helps in

• Designing frameworks with footprints that are on the smaller side
• Some outstanding performance presentation
• Intensive compatibility for coming to terms with regular hosting accounts that is important when it comes to managing completely distinctive PHP versions
• Dealing with frameworks that function with practically zero configuration
• For designing a framework that will not put any restrictions while operating with certain specific secret rules of code writing.

The PHP framework of CodeIgniter helps the developers to program much faster and helps improving the performance of the custom PHP applications. CI also comes up with an array of libraries that the developers can use for implementing new value added features to a website in a seamless fashion.

Moreover, the modular approach of CI helps in easier maintainability of the applications along with seamless incorporation of the new features like:

Dynamic Instantiation: In CodeIgniter, the components get loaded and the routines are executed only upon request. The system does not make any preemptive assumptions regarding what will be required to make the system light-weight by default.

Loose Coupling: Coupling is an extent by which the system components depend upon each other. The lesser is this dependency, the more will be the flexibility and usability of the system. CI helps in this loose coupling.

Component Singularity: Singularity is a parameter that measures the extent to which the components will have a narrowly focused objective. In CI, each and every class and the functions thereof are autonomous enough so as to facilitate optimal usefulness.

If you would like to hire PHP developer from PHP development company in India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Enterprise Level Web Development - Why PHP6 for It?

As a hugely popular server side scripting language, PHP needs no introduction. Along with being fast, scalable, flexible, open source and easy to learn, PHP also supports both procedural and object oriented programming. The developers also have options to use the rich set of inbuilt functions and avail the support of active community to avoid writing additional code. PHP is also widely for developing enterprise software applications that provide a wide range of services.

But the server side scripting language was earlier criticized due to lack of native Unicode support at the core language level. PHP6 is designed with true support for Unicode (UTF-8). It further allows developers to disable the Unicode support on the basis of individual software. At the same time, PHP6 also comes with a several new features and enhanced capabilities to complement the needs of enterprise level web designing.

PHP6 Features that Effectuates Enterprise Level Web Development

Unicode Support: As noted earlier, version 6.0 of PHP is designed with full support for Unicode (UTF-8). So the programmers now have option to use Unicode with larger (64 bit integers). At the same time, they also have option to enable or disable the option based on individual supports. The feature further make the PHP6 overcome the limitation of earlier versions.

Namespace: Many programmers use namespace to avoid collision of functions and classes with same name. They can use namespace to keep the names of the classes and methods readable by without using prefixes in naming conventions. PHP6 allows programmers to keep their code readable, while allowing the same class name or method name to be used by others without creating any problem. The feature will facilitate the development of enterprise applications in a distributed environment.

Caching Improvements: PHP6 also come with several caching improvements. Its caching features are improved at the application as well as the page (opcode) level. Also, the Alternative PHP Cache (APC) is moved to the core language level.

Revamped MySQL Driver: The version 6.0 of PHP development also includes a completely revamped MySQL database driver written in the Zend engine. Now the MySQL driver works with ext/mysql, ext/mysqli and PDO/mysql. The revamped database driver facilitates lower memory usage and faster execution, while supporting client side cache and performance statistics.

Syntax Changes: PHP6 comes with a number of changes in syntax. The syntax changes are made with the objective to make the coding simple and readable. Like “goto”, the programmers now have option to jump to a particular labeled point down the execution path. Likewise, the [] operator for strings and arrays now support the substr() or array_slice() functionality respectively.

Web 2.0 Features: PHP6 further makes it easier for developers to optimize the functionality and performance of the enterprise web application by incorporating web 2.0 features. As the enterprise applications are designed according to specific needs of an organization, their features and functionality vary. Most enterprise applications are designed as customized business-oriented tools to deliver specific services. The web 2.0 features make it easier for programmers to create complex and custom enterprise apps within a shorter span of time.

Updated Tools to Edit PHP Coding: Since the release of PHP 6.0, many IDEs and development tools are being upgraded to support the new release. Now the programmers have option to use upgraded version of Zend Studio, Eclipse PDT and similar IDEs with PHP support. The upgraded tools make simplify both code writing and editing process. The programmers can use the updated tools to complete PHP6 coding without putting any extra effort and time.

While using PHP6 for enterprise level web application development, the programmers have option to use several frameworks. They can use frameworks for developing and testing PHP enterprise applications without putting any extra time and effort. At the same time, the improved capabilities of PHP6 make it easier for programmers to create complex enterprise level websites and internet applications.

If you would like to hire php developers from php development company India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

PHP & MySQL - Why is it considered a Deadly Duo?

Each enterprise wants to beat competition by developing web applications with minimum time, effort and money. Many enterprises rely on open source web technologies to reduce the overall project overheads. But each enterprise must choose the right open source technologies to develop large and complex applications rapidly. A constant increase is being noted in the number of companies opting for PHP and MySQL development.

As an open source server-side scripting language, PHP help developers in rapidly creating large and complex internet application and websites. It further allows users to choose from an array of databases including MySQL. Despite being open source, MySQL is secure, fast, scalable and easy-to-use. So the combination of PHP and SQL facilitates the development of a wide variety of websites and internet applications.

Why PHP & MySQL are considered as a Deadly Duo?

Open Source: As noted earlier, both PHP and MySQL are open source. So an enterprise can avail the widely used server-side scripting language and database without incurring any additional expenses. The absence of licensing fees and similar restrictions further make the combination of PHP and MySQL inexpensive. Both large and small IT companies can avail the combination to reduce overall project cost.

Easy to Use: Unlike other programming language, PHP is easy to learn and use. The PHP syntax can be parsed without putting any extra time and effort. Also, the PHP code can be easily incorporate into the code generated by the WYSIWYG editors. So the programmers are not required to rewrite the HTML lines. Like PHP, MySQL is also simple and easy to use. The database can be used by programmers with basic knowledge of SQL. The users can interact with MySQL simply through some SQL statements. So the combination of PHP and MySQL simplifies the coding process, and hence reduces the development time drastically.

Compatible with Multiple Platforms: The popularity of a website or internet application depends on its compatibility with various platforms. Often enterprises opt for scripting languages and databases that are compatible with major operating system. As a dynamic language, PHP is compatible with major operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X, UNIX and Linux. Similarly, MySQL also runs on many widely used operating systems including Windows, Novell NetWare, Linux, OS/2 and different versions of UNIX. So the combination of PHP and MySQL enhances the compatibility of the web application with major platforms.

Fast and Scalable: PHP is hugely popular among programmers as a dynamic and fast server-side technology. It enables developers to complete coding without putting any extra time and effort. Likewise, MySQL is also faster and more scalable than other databases. The database is designed with fewer features to perform faster than other commercial applications. However, it still comes with the features required for creating database solutions that is required to handle a huge amount of data. The programmers can simply increase the default file size limit to make their web application highly scalable.

Secure: The combination of PHP and MySQL further makes the internet applications more secure. Along with handling a huge amount of data effectively, MySQL also manages memory in an efficient way. It also supports major development interfaces like JDBC and ODBC. MySQL has been tested thoroughly to prevent memory leaks. So the database makes it easier for programmers to optimize the security of their software without putting any extra effort.

Ideal for All Types of Development: Many IT companies use LAMP stack to build complex and custom internet applications for their clients. The LAMP stack includes a PHP programming platform and MySQL database along with an Apache web server and Linux based web server. The stack makes it easier for developers to optimize the performance of their web application by integrating third-party APIs and solutions. The effectiveness of PHP and MySQL can also be determined from the fact that their combination is currently running hugely popular web destinations like Facebook, Wikipedia, WordPress, Flickr and Yahoo.

The programmers also have option to use the MySQL native driver for PHP. Likewise, they can also choose from several PHP MySQL extensions PDO_MySQL or ext/mysqli. So they can use the MySQL native driver for PHP along with the PHP MySQL extension to rapidly create custom applications without writing any extra code. You can get in touch with a php web development company India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php application development services. If you would like to hire php developer India for your development needs, Please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

The use of Zend framework for quality web development

Zend framework is an open source that is extensively used nowadays for developing websites. The primary reason behind it is that the framework can easily blend with all types open source applications. Thus, the developers find it a scalable solution for creating dynamic websites. It has become popular within a short span of time as it is simple to use and can lessen the technical problems of the developers. This allows them to concentrate on the other real targets associated with a development project. This particular framework uses PHP 5 that is one of the most popular server side scripting language used in web development. This factor has also resulted in popularizing Zend.

There are several advantages for which Zend is preferred. Besides the library components, its main benefit is the Model View Controller design and reusable code. In addition, its functionalities are extensive and can be easily customized. The MVC design is highly modular. Besides making the codes reusable, these are also simple to maintain. Zend is also convenient as far as corporate licensing is concerned. Thus, highly interactive websites can be created without much effort from the developers. The framework is further enhanced by the support of PHP as well as multiple databases. Thus, developing websites are quite suitable with it.

Flexibility

Another advantage is the flexibility that it offers. For creating web applications a certain level of flexibility is required. While developing with this framework, the developers have the freedom of choosing a package part or module. They then combine it accordingly with their preferred classes. Thus, the customization process is easier when compared to the other frameworks. The developers are not compelled to use the complete packages.

Supports main databases

Besides this, it also supports the primary databases including MySql, Sq Lite, Oracle, PostgreSql, etc. This factor enables the developers to choose as well as use a database on their own. The reason why Zend is preferred is because it offers extensive control over the design of the applications. It is also packed with built-in support for website services.

Incorporated with latest features

Whilst these are some of the basic advantages of the framework, there are certain latest features incorporated in it, which makes it highly reliable for website development. Syndication, AJAX support and other object oriented solutions are found in it. Moreover, it is quite safe as the BSD license is provided. As a result no third party can breach the website content. This makes it extremely productive and offers ample scope for developing as well as designing websites that are quite dynamic. Such websites can also be easily made visible and managed by increasing the search engine traffic.

Modular MVC design

The MVC architecture has the ability to separate user interface from data. This enables the PHP developers to introduce changes in the databases without disturbing the user interface. Similarly they can also work on the user interface without disturbing the database. Additionally, this MVC design separates the user interface from the business logic too. This feature is not present in most of the other frameworks.

Support of large community

This framework enjoys the support of experienced and active developer community. It aids the developers in deciding which framework to work with. They also ensure that the chosen one will help in adding significant value to the web applications. Thus, the websites are more robust, scalable as well as their performances are enhanced. Moreover, this community is more helpful when compared to the others.

Easy availability of tutorials, videos

Using it is simple as there are adequate supporting sources to guide the developers in the form of tutorials and videos. These are easily available from ZendCasts. A quick general search on the Internet will also lead you to effective results. With the rising popularity and usage of Zend, the numbers of tutorials are also adding up.

If you are looking forward to build user friendly website solutions that are also innovative, then this framework should be your ultimate choice. Components, such as, session management, authentication, authorization and formats facilitate the development of the websites. In addition to these, it also helps in creating cost effective solutions that are open for further development. Being an open source it also supports effective end user maintenance. You can get in touch with a php web development company India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php application development services. If you would like to hire php developer India for your development needs, Please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.