Hi there,

I have a really important question to ask. I need to learn some php frameworks as quickly as possible. By "learn," I mean getting a grasp on the fundamental aspects of their architecture so that I can start writing code that is somewhat "correct."



Right now, I have a basic understanding of php and I am familiar with OOP and MVC from my experience in other programming languages.

So, here's my dilemma: which framework should I choose? I'm torn between yii, laravel, and possibly codeigniter.

One crucial factor for me is the learning curve, in other words, how long it will take me to "get into" the architecture.

I have a project coming up, and I would say it falls somewhere between small and medium in size (although that's a subjective assessment).

I would really appreciate hearing from people who have recently started using these frameworks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! And if "Bison" has any wisdom to share, I'd be even more grateful.

Choosing a PHP framework is an important decision, and there are several factors to consider. All three frameworks you mentioned, Yii, Laravel, and CodeIgniter, are widely used and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

For someone with a basic understanding of PHP, all three frameworks can be learned with some effort. However, considering your familiarity with OOP and MVC, you may find it easier to pick up Laravel or Yii, as they have more modern and feature-rich architecture compared to CodeIgniter.

Laravel is known for its elegant syntax, rich feature set, and a large and supportive community. It also has extensive documentation and a wide range of resources available, which makes the learning process easier. However, its powerful features might introduce some complexity, and it may take a bit longer to grasp the overall architecture.

Yii, on the other hand, is designed to be high-performance and efficient. It provides a solid foundation for building large-scale applications and offers a great balance between simplicity and flexibility. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to Laravel, it can be a good choice if performance is a crucial factor for your project.

CodeIgniter is lightweight, easy to learn, and has a smaller learning curve compared to the other two frameworks. It might be a suitable choice for smaller projects or if you prefer a straightforward approach without too much complexity. However, note that CodeIgniter has seen fewer updates and has a smaller community compared to Laravel or Yii.


Here are some additional details:

Laravel:
- Laravel is a highly popular PHP framework known for its expressive syntax and extensive feature set.
- It follows the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architectural pattern and provides a robust ecosystem of tools and packages.
- Laravel offers features like routing, database migration, ORM (Object-Relational Mapping), authentication, caching, and more out-of-the-box.
- It has excellent documentation, a large community, and plenty of learning resources, making it easier to get started and find help when needed.

Yii:
- Yii (pronounced as "Yee") is a high-performance PHP framework designed for developing web applications swiftly.
- It emphasizes performance and efficiency, making it suitable for demanding applications.
- Yii adopts the MVC pattern, and it provides features like a powerful ORM called ActiveRecord, scaffolding, RESTful API support, caching, and security measures.
- The framework promotes code reusability, modular design, and easy integration with third-party libraries.
- Although Yii may have a steeper learning curve compared to Laravel, it offers extensive documentation and a growing community.

CodeIgniter:
- CodeIgniter is a lightweight PHP framework known for its simplicity and small footprint.
- It is easy to learn and has a minimal set of requirements, making it suitable for beginners or projects with limited resources.
- CodeIgniter follows an MVC-like architecture but offers flexibility in choosing how closely to adhere to the pattern.
- It provides essential features like routing, database connectivity, template engine, form validation, and session management.
- Compared to Laravel and Yii, CodeIgniter has a smaller community and fewer updates, but it can still be a good choice for smaller projects or those that prioritize simplicity.


Factors to consider when choosing a PHP framework:

1. Community Support: Consider the size and activity of the community around each framework. A larger community means more resources, tutorials, plugins, and support available.

2. Learning Resources: Look for comprehensive documentation, tutorials, video courses, and online forums dedicated to each framework. The availability of learning resources can greatly assist you in understanding the architecture and getting up to speed quickly.

3. Ecosystem and Packages: Check the availability and quality of third-party packages and libraries that can enhance your development experience. Having a rich ecosystem can save you time and effort by providing ready-made solutions for common tasks.

4. Performance: Assess the performance characteristics of each framework, especially if your project requires handling high levels of traffic or processing large amounts of data. Some frameworks may be more optimized and efficient than others.

5. Scalability: Consider the scalability of the framework and its ability to handle growing requirements and increased user loads. A framework with built-in scalability features can be valuable for long-term project growth.

6. Security: Evaluate the security features and practices followed by the framework. Look for features like input validation, protection against XSS and CSRF attacks, authentication mechanisms, and secure coding practices.

7. Integration: Consider the ease of integration with other tools and services you may need for your project, such as databases, caching systems, cloud services, and APIs.

8. Longevity and Future Development: Take into account the framework's history, stability, and future roadmap. Consider whether it is actively maintained, regularly updated, and aligns with your long-term goals.

Imagine arriving at a large university library and expressing your desire to become the most important librarian of all the libraries in the shortest time possible. You want to know everything about the library - its structure, sections, books, authors, genres. Additionally, you wish to be familiar with all the readers, their morals, habits, and preferences. Furthermore, you want to have information about the library's relationships with other institutions and stay updated on lectures, symposiums, and conferences. All of this needs to happen quickly as time is running out. Do you realize that some people have been working towards this for more than a year?

Now, let's get to the point.

Symfony is the most challenging to learn, and I wouldn't recommend it for beginners.
Zend Framework is similar to Symfony but has fewer features and a smaller community. It has a lower entry threshold.
Laravel and Yii allow for an easy entry due to their pre-made code, but this can later prove problematic. According to programmers, any framework is like a minimal skeleton that you must strengthen on your own.

In short, when choosing a framework, it feels like being a malnourished person trying to win the Mr. Universe contest.

Ask yourself a hundred times if you really need it.

Codeigniter is my go-to, not because it's the trendiest like Laravel, but due to its more accessible learning curve.

Starting programming from ground zero, getting hands-on examples was pivotal for me, indeed it was my prime concern.

Working with hip frameworks often involves creating a grid with a filter, which you can find in the documentation. They hand you a method and send you off to figure out how it works. Then, a year later, you stumble upon some obscure thread unraveling the magic behind the grid patterns. Sure, the documentation wouldn't hold your hand, you're a programmer after all. Unlike these, CI offers a different experience; the documentation is filled with examples, a handy sidekick that assists you while you solve the problem.

Originally, I settled on Zend, plunged headfirst into that, dabbled with Symfony, but eventually found my footing with CodeIgniter.

I ventured into creating an e-commerce platform using it. I must comment, its documentation is top-notch, and the forum community was always a first-aid box for troubleshooting.

As for the present, it's been five years and counting since I've been immersed in Yii. Regardless, it was Codeigniter that provided me the foundational knowledge of dealing with a framework.