I am currently employed as an SEO optimizer, and this field has reached its saturation point. Over the past year, I have been studying PHP with the intention of transitioning to a back-end PHP programmer. However, I am currently applying for junior-level positions.

Many job postings require knowledge of modern frameworks, particularly Yii2. I have spent the past week reading manuals and familiarizing myself with this framework. However, I am unsure of what specific functionality I should implement to showcase my understanding of Yii2.

To those who may suggest listing an extensive set of functionalities, I pose the question - is it really necessary? Will it make a lasting impression? For instance, from September to March, I worked on my own project, which was relatively simple in terms of MVC structure. Nevertheless, it had an array of features, including user characteristics (such as level, health, and energy), as well as items that could be bought, sold, and worn.

I dedicated half a year to this project, only to discover that nobody pays attention to it. Employers seldom delve into the portfolio to examine the sites or functionalities implemented.

This leads me to wonder if it would suffice to create a static business card site consisting of a few pages on Yii2. Would this be enough? After all, 90% of employers do not thoroughly review portfolios or scrutinize the implemented functionalities.

The employer's level of expertise determines everything.

If the employer lacks experience, it simply boils down to:
- Do you know? Show the websites you've built. Alright, you're hired.

If the employer is knowledgeable (a programmer is interacting with you), they will assess you based on what they are seeking.
You might be asked to demonstrate a piece of code or provide access to a project.

In essence, these are the initial aspects I would focus on:
1) Have you modified VEndor? It may sound funny, but there are still people who haven't.
2) Do you utilize migrations?
3) Do you fully employ the language helpers rather than using standard PHP language functions like $_GET['param']?

... 4) There are numerous other factors, such as code aesthetics and complete adherence to MVC principles.
5) Testing is a separate matter. If someone has mastered it and writes tests first, it's safe to assume they have fulfilled all the previous requirements.

Again, familiarity with the framework boils down to knowing where to find specific information in the dоcumentation and grasping the fundamentals of its implementation.

The purpose of writing is not to impress someone, but to fully understand the framework with all its intricacies. Through gii, you can quickly create a comprehensive website with features and customizations without diving into the internal mechanisms and intricacies.

In terms of "writing something that no one needs for half a year," it's something programmers have to get used to; it's the essence of their work.

Employers won't examine all the functionality you've implemented; perhaps they'll pay attention to some challenging aspects that demonstrate your skills, but it's unlikely. They are more interested in your coding style and the presence of poorly written code (such as extra or undeclared variables).

How well acquainted is the employer with it?
If your work is reviewed by an expert, they will be satisfied with a well-executed abstract module or widget available on github. Furthermore, if your work receives likes, it is even better.

When the LPR (Limited Purpose Registry) is present "as usual", it is worthwhile to create an attractive admin panel. One can utilize the LTEAdmin template to incorporate numerous animated graphs and other eye-catching elements.

I have frequently encountered studios (when I believed that working in a studio was promising and financially rewarding) that function like an assembly line, producing similar landing pages on WordPress. They occasionally require a specialist in yii, but since they lack expertise in assessing proficiency in the framework, the evaluation criteria can be paradoxical. The emphasis tends to be more on appearance rather than demonstrating skills in PHP and object-oriented programming. By the way, knowledge of PHP and OOP is essential regardless of the case.

When it comes to choosing specific functionality to demonstrate your understanding of Yii2, it's important to strike a balance between depth and breadth. While a comprehensive project with a wide array of features can certainly demonstrate your ability to work with Yii2, it's equally important to focus on the quality and elegance of your code. Employers often value a well-structured and functionally rich application over a portfolio filled with superficial projects. Therefore, your experience in developing a project with user characteristics and item management, even if relatively simple in terms of MVC structure, reflects a deep understanding of Yii2's capabilities and its application in real-world scenarios.

Your observation that employers may not deeply examine the specific functionalities of your projects is indeed noteworthy. This raises the question of whether a static business card site developed using Yii2 could effectively showcase your skills. Surprisingly, a well-crafted, visually appealing, and efficiently implemented business card site could indeed make a lasting impression. It would not only demonstrate your technical proficiency with Yii2 but also highlight your design sensibilities and user experience expertise.

Considering both ends of the spectrum, it might be beneficial to find a middle ground. Creating a project that is not overly complex but showcases a variety of Yii2 functionalities while prioritizing clean and efficient code could be your best approach. This could help you achieve the balance of demonstrating your in-depth understanding of Yii2 while presenting a visually appealing and functionally rich application. In doing so, you may set yourself apart from other junior applicants by showcasing both your technical prowess and your ability to deliver elegant and user-friendly solutions.
While a broad portfolio with varied functionalities has its merits, the quality and finesse of a smaller, meticulously crafted application should not be overlooked. Striking the right balance between demonstrating your depth of understanding and making a lasting impression with impactful presentation could be the key to success in your transition to a back-end PHP programmer.

While creating a static business card site in Yii2 might demonstrate basic knowledge, it won't stand out in a saturated job market. Employers often seek practical applications of frameworks, so consider building a small, functional web app that incorporates CRUD operations, user authentication, and perhaps a RESTful API. This not only highlights your understanding of Yii2 but also demonstrates your ability to solve real-world problems.