PHP over the years has become one of the first choices of developers.
So has evolved its frameworks in terms of performance and popularity!
For instance, let's talk about Laravel and CodeIgniter. Both are prominent PHP frameworks that are being used by developers worldwide for active web development. All you have to do is hire Laravel developers or CodeIgniter programmers and work with either of the two.
Sounds easy and fun, right?
While it sounds like just a 2 step process of deciding the framework and finding the developer, there's a lot more to it.
We are talking about what comes before even deciding which framework to use.
It is concerned with how to settle on one. And that's not an easy job to do!
There is always a debate going on about one is better than the other.
So how can this trouble be overcome?
This can be done by understanding a particular tool for a framework in-depth and knowing how one is different from another.
In this article, as per our instance, we will talk about Laravel and CodeIgniter. We would be covering their basic overview, advantages along with differences between both on similar grounds.
So, without roaming around, let's get directly to the point!
Laravel is an open-source and the best PHP framework for developing web applications using the MVC architectural pattern. It is licensed under MIT. Various tasks initiated by Laravel, including sessions, routing, caching, authentication, etc. makes the entire development process easier for the developers.
Based on PHP, CodeIgniter can be considered an MVC framework that helps with the rapid and seamless development of applications and dynamic websites. It provides several fantastic libraries that help in connecting with the database and perform various operations. It also offers third-party plugins to carry out different functionalities.
Laravel should be used for the unparalleled advantages it has to offer. Some primary ones include:
Integration with third-party libraries
Modular packaging is there
The dependency manager is composer-based
Query builder
A blade-templating engine that is easy-to-use
Built-in mechanisms for authentication and caching
CodeIgniter provides various out of the box advantages, which makes it worth the use. Some major ones include:
Simplified MVC framework
Lightweight framework
Arrives with Template Engine Class, Calendar Class, and Unit Testing Class
Provision for security and XSS filtering is there
Session management is possible
Availability of Image Manipulation Library
DBMS Support
The DBMS (Database Management System) compatibility holds a considerable significance.
Laravel is compatible with Microsoft SQL Server, ORACLE, IBM DB2, PostgreSQL orientdb, MYSQL, and JDBC.
While CodeIgniter is compatible with Microsoft BI, MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL. It also supports other databases such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, DB2, etc.
Built-in Modules
Laravel comes with features for built-in modularity. The developers, through the bundle, can easily break and separate a project into small modules.
CodeIgniter does not have the features for built-in modularity. The developers, in this case, have to use Modular Extension to develop and handle modules.
Structure
The structure of a framework is essential to be noted at the beginning for trouble-free development in the future.
The MVC (Model-View-Controller) structure of filing is followed by Laravel. It also has a Command Line Tool known as the Artisan.
CodeIgniter, too, has the MVC (Model-View-Controller) structure, which was based loosely on object-oriented programming. The developers then use it as per their wishes or needs.
While popularity can never be the only reason to settle down on one option, it still matters. It acts as an indirect indicator of users' remarks.
Laravel is touching heights in terms of popularity. It is at a peak when we talk about how popular it is. Its rich coding style is loved by developers worldwide.
CodeIgniter provides quickness accompanied by simplicity and smoothness in work. Therefore, many developers in different parts of the world prefer to use CodeIgniter for web development.
We can say both the frameworks, Laravel and CodeIgniter have their own benefits and limitations. To hire dedicated Laravel developers or CodeIgniter programmers is not based only on the differences between both but also on your project's requirements and relevance.
Considering the elegance both provide with work and their features, make sure to make a wise choice!
Know More: Laravel vs. CodeIgniter