The 20 Best PHP Frameworks for Modern Developers in 2020

Programming languages encompass the tech
world, and we, living in the 21st century, are seeing a historical
change. As we all know, these languages are widely used for
developing various apps, mobile phone system, etc. and thereby, the
demand for these is increasing rapidly over time among developers.
Among the different scripting dialects, the language which has
secured practically 80% of the site market and tech world is PHP.
PHP is utilized to fabricate sites and web applications. The use of
PHP frameworks improves the intricate procedure of development by
giving a stage where the engineers can work without much of a
stretch form PHP applications in the briefest time conceivable.
^[1]

Popular PHP
Frameworks

PHP frameworks speed up the whole development process, and most
importantly, the responsiveness of sites and applications
fabricated utilizing PHP frameworks assists organizations and
businesses with satisfying their exhibition needs. Some of the
reasons that make Php frameworks so demanding and popular are its
speed, scalability, cross-platform, greater database diversity^[2], etc. It reduces the
development time by a large scale, makes websites more secure, and
furthermore, numerous groups can work independently. In this
article, we have put together the Php framework list of the most
used and fastest ones.

01. Laravel 

One of the topmost PHP framework used by developers is Laravel.
Since, it is a free, open source PHP Web application framework,
designed for developing MVC web applications, it makes development
easier and more creat­­ive. Laravel is known as the top and
foremost PHP framework among the top developers in the world as it
contains object-oriented libraries and several other pre-installed
ones, that we cannot find in any other PHP frameworks.

Features Available in Laravel

• Laravel is best for complex and robust website application
  development as this particular framework is high quality and has
  clear documentation, with a large community and advanced
  security.
• Due to its well-readable and well documentation, it helps to
  speed up our coding.
• Moreover, Laravel consists of strong encryption packets along
  with huge libraries.
• However, it is not good with shared hosting and also uses
  several queries in the database.
• Laravel framework makes the implementation of authentication
  techniques became very simple because of Laravel.

Get Laravel^[3]

02. Symfony 

Symfony is an open-source PHP framework with MVC architecture.
Since it is used to build high-performance complicated web
applications, it is one of the most well-known application
frameworks among the open-source developers’ community. It is very
robust as well as a mighty PHP framework. Projects that are
generated using this particular PHP Framework are immensely
extensible because of its architecture that is modular-based.

Features Available in Symphony

• Due to Symfony’s inbuilt features, it speeds up the application
  development.
• As Symfony utilizes less memory, it permits developers to make
  robust and high-performance applications.
• Since Symfony is approved with MVC parts, it permits the
  designer’s full control over the setup and other critical
  highlights of improvement.
• The system code is clear and demonstrated in this manner
  decreasing the number of errors made.
• Components in Symfony are supported with timely upgrades and
  enhancement of security.

Get Symfony ^[4]

03. Aura 

Aura is a UI framework for developing powerful web applications
for both mobiles as well as desktop devices, along with providing
an expandable and long-lived lifecycle to bear building
applications that are engineered for growth. Unlike the various PHP
frameworks we have referenced as of not long ago, Aura is an
assortment of decoupled libraries for PHP. It is normally refreshed
and kept up, thereby it is ideal for simple applications.

Features Available in Aura

• Aura consists of Object-oriented programming behaviors.
• This particular framework contains a tag-based layout as well
  as a component definition.
• Aura does not only include encased UI development with a
  dynamically typed event prototype but also includes Integrated
  functional and performance testing.
• Aura thoroughly consumes events to associate with several
  components.
• Each accessible library is independent and might be utilized
  autonomously in any task, with no kind of conditions.

Get Aura ^[5]

04. Kohana 

Kohana, in our list of PHP frameworks, is a very useful one.
This particular framework used to be a PHP5 HVMC framework. It has
proven to be one of the best platforms for providing professional
quality applications. This particular framework allows you to build
massive web applications while leveraging a quick development
architecture that is both powerful as well as instinctive. It is an
absolute delight for the developers as it offers new and
exceptional ways to find a solution to our existing business
problems.

Features Available in Kohana

• The file system of Kohana is the most vital feature of this
  particular PHP framework as it uses HMVC (Hierarchical Model View
  Controller), thus making it much easier to access.
• Kohana is speedy, and it contains a smooth development process.
  The cascading style supplies the easy and also very productive way
  to approach to the files.
• It makes debugging easier using Kohana as it is created with
  exception handling features.
• In Kohana, we don’t have to create the class every time rather
  it will call the class automatically.
• Configured files are placed in the respective configured
  directory thus, as a result, it will return an array of key-value
  pairs.

Get Kohana^[6]

05. Flight 

Flight falls under the well-known PHP framework list. It is a
widespread microstructure which is very swift, simple and has a
flexible framework. It is generally used to construct RESTful web
applications. Flight requires PHP 5.3 or more prominent and is
discharged under the MIT permit so in this manner, it is an
open-source network.

Features Available in Flight

• Developers use Flight not only because it is easy to handle,
  but also because it provides tools to handle the usual development
  tasks such as class loading and routing.
• Flight also give green lights to developers to manage requests
  through a logical routing system, set variables, add filters to
  methods before naming them, handle views, etc.
• To build heavy web applications, developers use Flight as it
  allows them to create the applications promptly and easily, which
  is one of the ideal parts of using Flight.
• Since Flight uses static methods, it does not require for the
  application class to be instantiated.

Get Flight^[7]

06. Medoo 

Medoo is a very familiar framework used by developers, from the
PHP framework list. It is exceptionally lightweight,
straightforward to learn, and works well with other popular PHP
frameworks. Medoo is an open-source venture under MIT permit. The
best part about Medoo is that it will always be free to use. In
this day and age brimming with innovation, Medoo is a consolation
for a portion of those designers, who would prefer not to get
entwined in overseeing specialized coding necessities.

Features Available in Medoo

• We can use it anywhere we want, under an MIT license.
• Medoo bolsters all SQL databases, including MariaDB, Oracle,
  MSSQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Sybase, SQLite, and so forth.
• Medoo additionally underpins various conventional and complex
  SQL questions, information mapping, and turn away SQL
  infusion.
• This framework is less than 100 KB.
• Since it has friendly construction, Medoo is very easy to learn
  and use.

Get Medoo ^[8]

07. Code
Igniter 

Code Igniter is one of the finest PHP frameworks used by
developers. It is an open-source web improvement PHP structure that
supports MVC design. The key undertaking of this
specific structure is to show a basic, simple and effective
approach to finish a web improvement venture, therefore, raising
the web advancement task hell free and quicker. ^[9]

Features Available in Code Igniter

• Because of the accessibility of inbuilt security instruments in
  Code Igniter, it appoints an upgraded degree of security to the
  sites and applications.
• We can make, erase, addition, and update any announcement
  without the contribution of crude SQL by utilizing the Code Igniter
  PHP structure.
• There is a primary folder while installing, that contains
  several application files along with other sub-folders containing
  config, model, controller, view, etc so while implementing any web
  development project, everything will be organized.
• Code Igniter contains a scope of highlights for unscrambling
  and encryption that permits the developer to send any information
  in a complete mystery establishment.
• What makes Code Igniter an ideal choice for the top dedicated
  web developers is its maturity, as it is one of the oldest and most
  dedicated frameworks for PHP.

Get Code Igniter^[10]

08. Yii 

Yii is one of the top PHP frameworks used by developers. It
stands for “Yes, it is!” For all sorts of web apps, we can use Yii.
It is completely established in the object-oriented system. This
specific system contains some exceptional boss highlights like MVC,
DAO/Active Record, I18N/L10N, reserving, validation and job-based
access control, platform, testing, and so forth.

Features Available in Yii

• Yii isn’t truth be told, basic and transformative yet, in
  addition, is an elite, part based PHP structure for creating
  present-day web applications.
• Moreover, Yii has a very easy installation process.
• Yii is ideal for quick development as it has code generators
  for CRUD operations.
• On the other hand, it consists of excellent speed and
  implementation as it is thoroughly extensible, and also allows
  developers to stay away from the difficulty of writing mundane SQL
  statements, as they can represent the database data in terms of
  objects.
• Yii framework can generate customizable codes with MVC.
• It contains several built-in widgets to validate or output data
  rapidly with Ajax support.

Get Yii  ^[11]

09. Zend 

Zend PHP framework is an incredible choice for top developers to
work on their heavy projects with dynamic web development tasks. It
is related to the well-known brands such as Microsoft, Adobe, and
Google. This particular framework guarantees security and high
performance. It is very easy to learn and can be easily mastered.
Zend is entirely an open-source framework; hence it is free of
cost.

Features Available in Zend

• Zend is an object-oriented web application framework.
• Zend is made of cutting edge MVC usage.
• It consists of a light-weight component library, so it is
  easier to work with.
• On top of all these, Zend supports several languages and
  numerous databases.
• It is very easy to use and is solely an SEO-friendly
  design.
• However, we should keep in mind that Zend is not suitable for
  small scale projects.

Get Zend ^[12]

10. Pop PHP 

Pop PHP is an outstanding PHP Framework, which is also referred
to as “Popcorn”. The absolute first form of Pop PHP was discharged
on 19 March 2012. It requires PHP 5.3 or more prominent and figures
out how to keep up its moderation and lightweight nature. This
specific framework, by default, uses a limited list of web-based
components. However, developers can also add other components when
needed.

Features Available in Pop Php

• Popcorn is a small scale structure layer that can be utilized
  to construct REST applications and APIs.
• Utilizing Popcorn, a designer can apply directing standards
  dependent on demand techniques and quickly wire up a REST-based
  application.
• The POP PHP structure configuration is powerful; be that as it
  may, it is easy to use with a compelling API.
• This particular PHP system can be utilized both as a tool
  compartment or as a significant structure.

Get Pop PHP^[13]

11. CakePHP 

Cake PHP is an elite PHP framework used by developers. It is an
open-source PHP framework for building web applications in a
quicker manner, as it is very simple and requires less code. It is
one of the most financially savvy and gainful structures for web
engineers of the 21st century. It features Model, Controller, and
View classes, along with with some other additional classes as well
as items that make the development process in MVC slightly faster
and more efficient.

Features Available in  Cake Php

• No configuration is necessary for implementing Cake PHP as it
  doesn’t require complicated XML or YAML files.
• Cake PHP consists of a friendly license and is perfect to use
  in commercial applications as it is licensed under MIT.
• This particular framework is undoubtedly secure as it consists
  of built-in tools for input validation, CSRF protection, Form
  tampering defense, SQL injection hindrance, and XSS
  prevention.
• On top of that, this framework’s codebase has been surveyed
  through the Mozilla secure open source.

Get CakePHP^[14]

12. Fat-Free

Among this list of PHP frameworks, the Fat-free framework is the
easiest to use and work with. It was started in 2009 by Bong Cosca.
Following a moderate methodology, it, in general, abstains from
including code and structure that are not carefully important,
while concentrating on the main thing.

Features Available in Fat-Free

• Fat-free is extremely powerful, yet, it is very easy to use. It
  allows robust and dynamic web applications to be built very
  quickly.
• It is amazingly lightweight, that is, Fat-Free sums for
  generally about 55kb only.
• It has a delicate expectation to absorb information, which
  enables designers to concentrate only on what makes a difference by
  not changing their coding style.

Get Fat-Free ^[15]

13. Nette

Nette is an opensource framework, which allows in building web
applications for PHP 5 and 7. Nette supports code reusability in
AJAX, DRY, and MVC. The first version was created by David Grudl,
and Nette was further improved by Nette Foundation. Nette is
opensource and Nette is licensed under   GNU GPL version
3.

Features Available in Nette

• Nette assists you in building websites by checking for security
  holes and their misuse. Potential misuse includes XSS, CSRF,
  session hijacking, session fixation, among others.
• The debug tools allow users to find efficiently.
• Nette also features AJAX/AJAJ, Dependency Injection, SEO, DRY,
  MVC, Web 2.0, and cool URL.
• The finder helps in searching for files with an intuitive
  interface.
• Safety traps such as CSRF are avoided.

Get Nette ^[16]

14. FuelPHP 

FuelPHP was being developed from October 2010 and FuelPHP was
first released in 2011. The main authors were Harro Verton, Jelmer
Schreuder, and Frank de Jonge. The FuelPHP project was developed by
taking other community developers’ views. It supports PHP 5.3+, in
both MVC and HMVC architecture. Thus, multiple pages can be viewed
simultaneously.

Features Available in FuelPHP

• Almost every component can be extended or replaced, making
  FuelPHP very flexible.
• A high level of security is also offered. FuelPHP has an
  inbuilt validation condition.
• A large set of templates and an integrated ORM are used.
• End-to-end web solutions vary in size and complexity.
• The application is further broken down into modules, making it
  simpler to use.

Get FuelPHP^[17]

15. Phalcon 

Phalcon, which was released in 2012, writes in both C and C++,
thus achieving the highest optimization and quickest execution. One
very interesting feature is its C-extension, so developers do not
need to know C. Also, Phalcon is free to use. Phalcon is popular
because it does not use expensive file stats.

Features Available in Phalcon

• The project structure is flexible, with neat and secure
  coding.
• Zephir allows customization.
• The web architecture uses MVC.
• Phalcon can also handle a higher number of HTTP requests in a
  single second than other frameworks.
• The RAM of the server is used, so the very little resource is
  required for Phalcon files.

Get Phalcon^[18]

16. Typo3 Flow 

The first version of the Typo3 Flow framework was released in
2011. Despite the fact that Typo3 Flow depends on the substance
arrangement of Neos, Typo3 Flow can likewise be utilized
independently. The framework can conveniently interface with MySQL.
Using this PHP framework, good quality web solutions can be
implemented. The execution time is also very less for this
framework; hence complex applications use Typo3 Flow.

Features Available in Typo3 Flow

• The web architectures used are MVC (Model-View-Controller), AOP
  (Aspect-Oriented-Programming), or DDD (Domain-Driven-Design).
• The coding is well-documented as an attempt to eliminate
  errors.
• A simple syntax, involving conditions, loops, and arrays, are
  used.
• Typo3 Flow gives an XML structure to robotize layout
  approval.
• Modules written in other frameworks can also be used in Typo3
  Flow with a few changes.

Get Typo3 Flow^[19]

17. Silex 

The designing of Silex was inspired by Symfony, Pimple, and
Sinatra. Silex is suitable for applications that have only one
file. The structure depends on Twig (format motor) and Doctrine
(database reflection). The API is brief. HTTPKernel is used to
process requests and responses. Users can define their own
controllers and map them to routes within a single step.

Features Available in Silex

• Third-party library functions can be incorporated as
  extensions.
• Even though Silex is used for small applications, Silex can be
  used for an entire MVC framework.
• Different advantages are the URL directing framework, web
  security, sessions, and treats deliberation.
• Monolog library logs demands and bugs.
• Testing web applications is easy due to the HTTPKernel being
  able to handle requests and responses efficiently.

Get Silex ^[20]

18. PHPixie 

PHPixie was released in 2012. MHMV architecture is used. PHPixie
is thoroughly tested and extremely fast. The components can be used
both within a framework and without a framework. Codes are executed
line by line and static coding is not implemented. All these make
PHPPixie a favorable choice by industrial standards.

Feature Available in PHPixie

• Each component is 100% unit tested, so the user faces very
  little dependency.
• The configuration is easy, and the framework is lightweight
  with the help of MongoDB.
• Less time is required to load a webpage.
• The engineering can be changed deftly.
• A web developer who has already learned Codeigniter or Kohana
  can also easily learn to code in PHPixie.

Get PHPixie^[21]

19. Slim 

Slim is a microframework that has a minimalistic design, thus
Slim is easy for beginners. Slim can be readily downloaded through
the Composer dependency manager. Slim forms RESTful APIs and
services. Slim is used in small and large web applications alike.
Dependency injections are compatible with Slim. Slim can implement
quick prototyping. In a nutshell, Slim is among the most preferred
PHP frameworks.

Features Available in Slim

• Other wonderful features include URL routing, client-side HTTP
  caching, session, and protecting cookie with AES-256
  encryption.
• Slim is continuously maintained and documented, so it is highly
  user-accessible.
• Any PSR-7 HTTP message implementation can be readily modified
  to show status, URI, headers, cookies, and body.
• Caching and logic control is also very sophisticated.
• Slim allows pattern matching in its HTTP router.

Get Slim ^[22]

20. Agavi 

Agavi is licensed under LGPL. Agavi supports PHP 5. Agavi uses
MVC architecture. Agavi is an incomplete tool to create a website;
instead, you are expected to use Agavi as small chunks glued
together. Because of the fact that Agavi has a few simple in-built
functions, developers have the freedom to create their own
implementations in the coding process.

Feature Available in Agavi

• The code is neat and maintainable.
• Third-party library functions can be added as extensions.
• Agavi can be accessed by HTTP protocol, SOAP, and
  Commands.
• REST API can be used through Agavi.
• User input validation and user authentication can be
  customized.

Get Agavi ^[23]

Finally, Insight

The decision of the framework truly relies on the kind of site
to be created for your business. The above mentioned 20 PHP
framework list is a thorough one. In any case, speed, versatility,
and security are a few rudiments that each designer searches for,
investigating these frameworks for a responsive and smooth web
application improvement venture.

We hope you liked our list of the 20 best PHP frameworks. We
hope that you will share this article and let others know about
this list as well. And don’t forget to share your suggestion and
experiences in the comment below.