Laravel vs. Other PHP Frameworks: Which one is the Best?

When anyone initiates a web development project, the software developer usually has two strategies, i.e., to build the project from scratch using programming language or rely on a framework. However, there is no specific answer to which approach is better because it entirely depends on the project requirements, web developer skills, resources, and many other factors.

But, when it comes to picking the best web development programming language and framework, most developers will choose PHP and Laravel. Both of these allow for building strong and quality products which are rich in functionality and easily integrate with any portal. So, if you need clarification about which one to choose, we made it easier for you to choose between Laravel vs. PHP in this blog.

Laravel is a PHP-based web framework that is freely accessible; it enables routing, authentication, and HTML templating. It is ultimately a server–side technology that follows the MVC approach that allows the programmers to distinguish between application layers. It is mainly used for building single–page applications, E-commerce, social networking portals, CMS systems, and web platforms with massive data. It will efficiently manage the data flow and prevents bottlenecks.

PHP (Personal Home Page) or hypertext processor is a scripting language that automates server–side web development tasks. Usually, it is a general programming language that easily embeds in HTML codes. PHP allows the creation of dynamic web pages, database-driven applications, and e-commerce web apps. However, it is an open–source scripting language compatible with MySQL, Oracle, and other database services.

In the web development market, Laravel is the popular PHP framework. It has various followers as it is simple, solid, and quick to use. On the other hand, some developers ensure that Laravel is far by amateurs and that professionals only use PHP.

So, let’s compare two of them and discover their differences:

PHP is a fantastic tool for creating simple applications with limited features without extension perspectives. However, creating a simple blogging site does not need any tools; thus, PHP is the best and time–saving choice.

However, Laravel is used for complex solutions. Before using this framework, the developers must configure it to select the development patterns and functionality they want to add. Laravel-based application is easy to scale because it has clear division into layers. Moreover, the developers can add extra functionality or alter the app development process.

PHP offers better performance on increasing concurrency than its counterparts. However, its coincidence is related to the number of machines, or devices language can manage for user request execution. PHP scripts are quick to execute when the code is clearly and precisely written. However, web developers can reuse PHP scripts in the same projects.

The understanding of the PHP framework entirely depends on the developer’s expertise. PHP doesn’t offer any setup structure. Thus, the developers can solve similar problems in different logical steps. This fluctuation results in different code quality. So, the more knowledge developers have about PHP, the better the coding quality.

Laravel framework provides a safe environment, allowing precise and reliable code for beginners. It means that when web developers use Laravel, they can exchange their code pieces and are logically structured and easy to understand for others.

PHP supports primary database services such as MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. It also offers a PDO layer (PHP Data Objects), allowing constant interaction with your app and other database services. You won’t need to code if you switch from MySQL to MariaDB or PostgreSQL.

Laravel currently supports four types of database systems: Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, and SQL. Fluent query builder and raw SQL make it easy to interact with these databases. Laravel makes it easy to connect multiple databases. Only time will tell if other databases support Laravel. If you’re comfortable with Laravel’s databases, there are no restrictions on creating a fully controlled relationship between the web app and the database.

Core PHP is designed for the most serious programmers. Core PHP allows programmers to create their code in their way. Depending on the developer’s understanding and knowledge, the same functionality can be made in many ways. Once a web developer has mastered Core PHP, he can use any PHP framework to create functionality with a Notepad.

Learning is easy because many steps are pre-set, automated, and have a low learning curve. A novice can easily create and modify an app’s code using this framework. On the other hand, web developers need to take the time to understand the framework’s tools and how to configure them.

Core PHP does not provide security functions for its code. To prevent code vulnerabilities, web developers must create their own security rules.

Laravel, on the other hand, provides robust security that protects against SQL injection, cross-scripting attacks, and cross-site request forgery. It also has a secure authentication system, which verifies valid tokens for every request to ensure user authentication.

Scalar-type hinting makes it easy to test PHP apps. Scalar-type hinting makes the code’s purpose more evident, and PHP can track all data types that return from functions in the app. Validating the assertion requires only one string of data. PHP makes sure that the function cannot accept more than one string. It makes creating, verifying, maintaining, and testing assertions easier. The return type declarations ensure that the function returns the correct data type. It allows you to create an error-free test environment.

Laravel works with PHP, so many tools help you create a bug-free app. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the testing tools and resources. Laravel offers two levels of testing, Unit, and Feature. This makes the process easier.

Laravel comes by default with robust documentation for testing and all the tools needed to test the environment at multiple levels. This includes mock tests that simulate events and application codes.

PHP is compatible with SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and pre-microservices architecture. There are many similarities between SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and microservices. Both architectures are based on the same principle: breaking down an application into smaller units. SOA can use to create microservices that contain large-scale systems or services. This is a significant improvement over modern architecture. It also offers microservices that can scale independently and are resilient against failures.

PHP supports microservices architecture. It is also evident that Laravel supports it. What does Laravel do? Each function and responsibility is broken down into smaller building blocks. The processes communicate with one another using APIs language-agnostic. This makes the app compatible with microservices architecture.

Laravel and PHP are both considered for creating high–end applications. These two are practical tools for developers innovating complex and straightforward web solutions. However, there are some differences between them in who analyzes the project scope. After comparing, it is concluded that both are expandable, which allows the organization to move quickly in evolving tech fashion.