Web development has evolved to a large extent in recent times. HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP are some of the languages used for developing a website. Among these, the PHP framework has gained major popularity as PHP websites can be created with more flexibility, thanks to the code libraries available that cut down the need to manually write a large number of codes.
Even today, around 79% of all websites are based on PHP Framework and have big names like Facebook and Wikipedia to boast about which uses this framework. Instead of coding from a scratch, many developers prefer the PHP framework because of several reasons as listed below:
- Faster development made possible by the built-in libraries and tools and some frameworks even have PHPunit Library integrated with them.
- The time required to manually code is cut down with the help of the codes available in the library.
- Many common tasks are made easier with the help of the library in the framework.
- The best coding practices can be followed and the codes are neatly organized into the directories according to the function.
- Though PHP is vulnerable to threats like SQL injection attacks, it is still more secure than writing your code.
- Lastly, PHP Websites are much easier to maintain.
Laravel and Codeigniter are both open-source PHP Frameworks but there are several features and patterns which set them apart. Here we are going to share few such differences based on which we will analytically give you a perception of which is a better choice.
What is Laravel Framework?
Laravel follows the Model View System architecture and is an MIT-approved PHP framework. The source code for Laravel is available on GitHub. When it comes to security, Laravel is reliable which has led to the rapid emergence of the framework over the years.
The expressive syntax pattern is one of the most notable features of this framework. Here’s why it is rapidly emerging as a highly demanded PHP framework for web development:
- You get modular packaging with composer- This means a complex web application can be secluded into smaller modules to accelerate the development process. Developers can separate any task into smaller modules easily.
- The Laravel developers can make the most of Eloquent ORM to work with an assortment of the database effectively through ActiveRecord execution.
- There is a wider range of database support. While PHP frameworks usually support MySQL, Microsoft Bi, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, Laravel can further support Oracle, Microsoft SQL server, orientDB, JDBC, and IBM DB2.
Features of Laravel Framework
There are several lucrative features of Laravel which are as follows:
- There are options for smaller modular packaging to pace up the development process.
- Simple-to-use Blade-Templating Engine is a unique feature of this framework that Laravel Web Application Development Companies have been taking benefits of.
- Caching and Authentication Mechanism is built-in within the framework.
- You get to experience better IO capabilities.
- There is an option for Quality Session Control.
- It can easily integrate with third-party libraries.
- There is a complete composer-based dependency manager that gives more flexibility while web development.
- You get potential ORM alternatives in the Query builder.
Laravel also has a series of new features which make it even more flexible and easier to use today. They are as follows:
Laravel Admin Panel Generator
You have access to a fully functional admin panel in minutes with tools like Voyager: The Mission Laravel Admin, LaraAdmin: Admin Panel+CRM, and Orchid under this feature.
Laravel E-commerce packages
If you are using Laravel to create an e-commerce website, this feature will be your best friend. Bagisto and Avored are two packages offered by Laravel for E-commerce development and features like the drag and drop process similar to Woocommerce as in WordPress.
Laravel SEO Packages
To improve the site’s traffic and visits, Laravel has several SEO packages which were recently introduced. These are Laravel meta manager, Laravel SEOable, October CMS, Asgard CMS, Automata, Laravel CMS, etc.
What is Codeigniter Framework?
Codeigniter PHP is known for its robust and Powerful Framework which is ideal for creating a full-featured website as it is simple and elegant. Dynamic websites can be easily created with the help of this framework. However, it does not strictly follow the MVC format like Laravel. Moreover, you can use third-party plugins here for more complex functionalities which cannot be done on Laravel.
Features of Codeigniter Framework
The following are some of the primary features of the Codeigniter Framework:
- It has a very simple and easy MVC format but does not strictly adhere to it, giving you more flexibility.
- XSS Filtering and Advanced security features are in-built in the framework for better security management.
- There are data encryption features as well.
- There is in-built class support that can be used for sending mails.
- There is a file uploading class as well.
- Calendar, template engine, and unit testing class are available.
- You get a well-equipped image manipulation library.
- Generate search engine-friendly URLs.
- Does not require heavy-duty hardware as it is an extremely lightweight framework.
- You have hooks and class extensions too.
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Comparing the features of Laravel and Codeigniter
If you go through the features and functions that both Laravel and Codeigniter have, it gets evident that there are several similarities between these two platforms. But what about the differences? Here we are comparing the features in both the framework to give a better idea about what you can and cannot expect from these platforms:
| Laravel | Codeigniter |
| The database model is relational Object-oriented. | The database model is Object-oriented. |
| The template language is Blade template Engine. | The Template language is PHP Proprietary. |
| It has a component-oriented programming paradigm. | The programming paradigm is object-oriented and event-driven. |
| Laravel is currently at peak popularity because of its expressive coding structure. | The 2.x version provides ease of use which makes it more preferred among many developers. |
| The HTTPS custom routes can be created in Laravel. | Codeigniter does not fully support HTTPS. |
| Users can thoroughly check an application code with the PHP Unit. | There is no in-built unit testing tool hence additional tools will be needed. |
| Laravel has many additional features which are difficult to learn for beginners. | Codeigniter is much easier to master even for budding developers. |
Comparing the Pros and Cons of Laravel and Codeigniter
Both Laravel and Codeigniter feature several tools and functions which can be advantageous to developers. It entirely depends on what you expect your final website design to be like.
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The choice between the two and which is the right framework for your requirement becomes tough unless you have a clear vision about your project’s requirement and compare the pros and cons of both frameworks accordingly. The following are the different pros and cons of Laravel and Codeigniter to consider:
| Pros of Laravel | Pros of Codeigniter |
| It is easy to learn for those with basic coding knowledge. | It is an open-source framework. |
| Restful APIs can be built easily. | Output caching is here. |
| Built-in ORM is superior. | It had good documentation. |
| It has its own CLI. | The framework is very lightweight. |
| Writing web apps with authentication is easy. | The Template Engine is simple. |
| Symfony components can be used. | |
| The framework is beginner-friendly though the learning curve is steep. |
Which is a Better PHP Framework?
Now that you have in detail the differences between Laravel and Codeigniter, the question of making a better choice arises. Many criterias must be considered like the type of website you wish to design and the flexibility you require before choosing a framework.
Laravel is noted for accelerating the development process while Codeigniter is simpler to use. In the end, one cannot say specifically that only one among these is the best. While it’s true that Laravel experienced a peak user popularity, Codeigniter is not far behind.
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So the best among these two is entirely dependent on your website vision and the kind of development process you wish to follow.
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Hello, I am a professional SEO Expert & Write for us Technology blog and submit a guest posts on different platforms- we provides a good opportunity for content writers to submit guest posts on our website. We frequently highlight and tend to showcase guests.
