What is PHP Development?
PHP is a popular scripting language that is widely used for web development. It is a server-side scripting language that can be embedded into HTML. PHP code can be executed on both the server-side and the client-side.
PHP development services are used to create dynamic websites and web applications. However, many businesses don't have the resources or space to recruit in-house PHP developers. That's where Xpeer comes to save the day.
Xpeer connects you with vetted PHP development companies that can take over all your website development needs. We find the best PHP development firm for you after considering your needs, budget, and additional requirements, ensuring utmost quality and satisfaction.
PHP development refers to creating dynamic web applications and websites using the PHP programming language. Although other programming languages, such as Python, are quickly becoming more popular, PHP remains one of the top choices for web development.
w3techs data shows that 78.9% of the websites online use PHP. Some popular websites using PHP include Wikipedia and Facebook.
Despite the emergence of other languages, PHP remains popular because it is relatively easy to learn and use. It is also well suited for web development since it can be embedded into HTML.
More importantly, PHP has a comprehensive array of use cases. Thus, the language is used by some of the largest tech companies and enterprises in the world for website development.
Why Use PHP for Development?
PHP has several features that make it an attractive choice for web development, including:
Open source: PHP is free to download and use, making it an affordable option for small businesses and startups.
Cross-platform: PHP can be run on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
Stability: PHP is a stable language with a large community of developers who constantly improve it.
Speed: PHP is a fast language that can handle significant traffic without slowing down.
Flexibility: PHP can be used for various web development projects, from small websites to large enterprise applications.
What Services Does a PHP Development Company Offer?
A PHP development company offers various services to help businesses create and maintain their websites. These services can include:
- Web Development: A PHP development company can build a website from scratch or improve an existing website. They can also add new features to a website, such as an e-commerce platform or a content management system (CMS).
- Web Design: A PHP development company can create a custom website design that is responsive and looks great on all devices.
- PHP Programming: Such a company can write custom PHP code to power a website or web application.
- Database Development: Database development refers to designing and creating a database. A PHP development company can create a custom database for your website or web application.
PHP can also be used to develop API for communication with third-party software.
Raw PHP vs. PHP Framework: Which to Use?
PHP framework refers to a collection of libraries and tools that help you create a website or web application.
Many PHP frameworks are available, such as Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. Each framework has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, some frameworks are better suited for large projects, while others are more suitable for small projects.
When deciding whether to use a PHP framework or not, you should consider the following factors:
Project Size: If you are working on a small project, it might be better to stick with raw PHP. However, if you are working on a large project, using a PHP framework can help to save time and effort.
Development Speed: PHP frameworks can help speed up development by providing libraries and tools that would otherwise need to be created from scratch.
Security: Some PHP frameworks, like Laravel, come with built-in security features that can help to protect your website or web application from attacks.
Ease of Use: Some frameworks, such as Laravel, are designed to be easy to use. Others, such as Symfony, might require more experience to use effectively.
Scalability: How scalable your website or web application needs to be will affect your decision on whether to use a PHP framework. For example, if you are expecting a lot of traffic, using a PHP framework helps ensure that your website can handle the load.
Use Cases of PHP Development
PHP can be used for a wide range of web development projects. Some everyday use cases include:
E-commerce Websites: PHP can be used to create e-commerce websites and applications. Popular e-commerce platforms, such as Magento and WooCommerce, are written in PHP.
Content Management Systems (CMS): A content management system (CMS) is software that helps you create and manage digital content. WordPress, one of the most popular CMSs, is written in PHP.
Forum Websites: PHP can be used to create forum websites where users can post messages and discuss topics. phpBB and vBulletin are two popular forum software written in PHP.
Business Websites: PHP can be used to create websites for businesses of all sizes. Many popular website builders, such as Wix and Squarespace, use PHP.
WordPress Plugins and Themes: You can also use PHP to create plugins and themes for WordPress. If you work with a company that's also familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, it can use PHP to extend the functionality of your WordPress website.
Cloud is among the most impressive and valuable innovations in the field of Information technology in recent years. It allows the users to access their data and applications from any device and location.
PHP development services can help you integrate your website or web application with cloud services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. It will allow you to take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the cloud.
You can also use PHP to improve the security of your business website. For instance, you can use PHP if you want to allow two-factor authentication for your website.
PHP stores pairs of usernames and passwords on the database. With top-tier encryption, the passwords are hashed and salted to make them more secure. The website owner can also set the permissions for each user.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Partner for PHP Development?
When looking for a PHP development company for your project, it's essential to consider the following factors.
Experience
Ensure that the company has a good track record of delivering quality PHP development projects. PHP is a relatively older language and has undergone many updates since it was initially introduced.
You should look for a company with at least five years of experience in PHP development. It will ensure that the professionals working on your project are well-versed in the language and can handle any challenges that might come up.
Portfolio
Check which projects the company has worked on in the past. Make sure that the company has experience working on projects similar to yours. For instance, if you want to develop an e-commerce website, look for a company that has worked on similar projects.
It will give you an idea of whether the company will be able to deliver what you're looking for. Moreover, you can get in touch with the company's previous clients to get feedback about their experiences.
Pricing
When looking for a PHP development company, don't forget to ask for a detailed quote. The company should be upfront about its pricing and not have any hidden costs.
The price will depend on various factors, such as the size and complexity of the project, the timeline, and the company's experience. Nevertheless, you should ensure that you're getting value for your money.
The company should also offer flexible pricing options. For instance, you can opt for a monthly retainer if you want to avail yourself of the company's services on an ongoing basis.
Familiarity with PHPUnit, PSR, and Composer
Some additional tools and frameworks are often used when using PHP for an app or web development. For instance, PHPUnit is a testing framework, PSR is a coding style guide, and Composer is a dependency manager.
The company you choose should be familiar with these tools and frameworks. It will ensure that they can deliver quality code that adheres to the latest standards.
What Efforts Are Required From Your Side When Outsourcing PHP Development?
Sure enough, the PHP development company will take care of the technical aspects of your project. However, there are certain things that you need to do from your end to make sure that the project is a success.
Here's what you need to do when outsourcing PHP development:
Set Clear Goals
Before starting the project, it's essential to set clear goals. You should have a good understanding of what you want to achieve with the project.
The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Having SMART goals will help you keep track of the project's progress and ensure that it is on track.
Communicate Properly
It's essential to communicate properly with the PHP development company. Make sure that you're clear about your requirements and expectations.
It will help the company understand your vision for the project and deliver accordingly. Moreover, you should keep the lines of communication open throughout the project.
If you have any concerns or feedback, make sure to promptly communicate them to the company.
Be Involved
Although you're outsourcing the project, it's essential to stay involved. Review the work regularly and provide feedback to the company.
It will help ensure that the project is going in the right direction. Moreover, you can catch any issues early on and get them resolved quickly before they become larger concerns.
How Much Does PHP Development Cost?
The cost of PHP development will depend on a few factors, such as:
Complexity of the Project: You can expect to spend less if you want to build a relatively simple website with little to no customization. However, if you want to develop a complex web application with multiple features, you will need to spend more.
Size of the Project: The price will also depend on the size or scope of the project. If you want to develop a small website with only a few pages, it will cost you less than developing a large website with hundreds of pages.
Timeline: The timeline is another important factor that will affect the cost. If you want the company to complete the project quickly, you must pay more.
Mistakes to Avoid When Outsourcing PHP Development
Since website or app development is a one-time thing, you cannot afford to mess it up or make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not Choosing the Right Development Company
If you want your project to succeed, it's important to choose the right development company. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable and experienced company.
Not Defining Your Requirements
Another mistake that you need to avoid is not defining your requirements properly. If you're not clear about what you want, how can you expect the company to deliver it?
Sit down and list out all your requirements before starting the project. It will help ensure that you get what you want.
Not Communicating Properly
As mentioned earlier, communication is critical when outsourcing PHP development. If you're not communicating properly with the company, it will be difficult for them to translate your vision to reality.
Hire PHP Development Companies with Xpeer
PHP is a versatile language that can be used for various purposes, such as developing web applications, e-commerce websites, and business websites.
When choosing a PHP development company, consider its experience, portfolio, pricing, and familiarity with additional tools and frameworks. Doing so will help you choose the right company for your project.
However, there are hundreds of PHP development companies, and they all claim to be the best. But how do you decide if they live up to their claims? Xpeer does it for you.
Xpeer connects you with the best PHP development firms for your preferences, budget, and project type. Since all companies recommended by Xpeer are vetted for quality and reliability, you can rest easy knowing that your project will be a success.