PHP Framework showdown

s0me0ne

Not to cause a flamewar but I'd like to see people give input on the following frameworks.

CakePHP vs Symfony vs CodeIgniter vs Zend Framework

I know there are more than those four, but they seem like the big ones, but feel free to mention the any others if you want.

alimadzi

One thing to keep in mind is that the Zend Framework can be used to augment another framework such as CakePHP. Check this out...

http://snook.ca/archives/php/zend_framework_first_impressions/

So it's not quite like the Highlander movies: "In the end, there can be quite a few..."

NogDog

http://phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?t=10329238&highlight=framework

bpat1434

Nice goof NogDog 🙂 *

I don't use frameworks (well, not really). I've got the Zend Platform and Framework installed on my computer, but I don't utilize it.

I much rather like to actually create my own code so that when something goes wrong, I don't have to rely upon someone else to fix it, and I don't have to worry about security updates or added features. Keep it simple is what I do...

piersk

Zend Platform? Isn't that stupidly expensive?

Kudose

I have been trying to figure out the Zend Framework and found Symfony to be too complicated to pick up.

I used to just create all of my own classes and go, but I am starting to rely on PEAR and PECL.

I'm just now migrating to PHP5 mind you as I finally have a dedicated server.

dougal85

I want to give the Zend framework a shot one day... I've played with it briefly but I've not tried anything serious.

its on my to-do list...

alimadzi

The great thing about the Zend Framework is that you can cherry-pick the classes you want to use and ramp up slowly to using the full framework. It has all the MVC goodness that the other players have if you want to go that far. I'm planning to start with the DB, Filter, Cache, and Auth classes and see how it goes.

With CakePHP or Symfony, it's all or nothing. But some people like it that way I suppose. Different strokes for different folks...

lajkonik86

i've been through this decision. the only one with a truly full feature set is Symfony.

Steep learning curve, but if you want to develop at full speed you really need Symfony.

s0me0ne

I've read you can mix Zend Framework with CakePHP or Symfony or CodeIgniter so it seems pretty cool you can still use it while using another

lajkonik86

It depends on what you want

improve your php coding and practises: choose symfony
rapid development of applications: symfony again
quick start: probably cakephp

alimadzi

lajkonik86 wrote:
It depends on what you want

Very true. And if you're more of a "roll your own" type of developer, Zend Framework is a great place to start. Pick a few classes and compare them to what you've created for that same purpose. If nothing else, you'll probably get some ideas for improving your own home-grown code. And you may decide to ditch some of your own stuff and use the ZF equivalents. And you may eventually choose to incorporate ZF into CakePHP or Symfony. It's all up to you.