PHP Development has been popular not just among developers but businesses across the globe. The server-side scripting language seems to have managed to maintain its integrity by enabling web developers to create feature-rich web pages and database-driven sites.
We have all witnessed the evolution of PHP development and how it is still capable of holding the market share above ASP.NET, Java, Static Files, or ColdFusion even for the upcoming years. it can be unquestionably said to be the most popular programming language and a formidable career choice. However, the following post focuses on top PHP development tools to keep in mind but before we reach there, let us take a bit of detour that will eventually lead us to our predetermined destination.
PHP Developers as a Career Option
ASP.Net, Java, and PHP are some of the most preferable career options in the world of software development. By now all the three musketeers have given pretty good offering several career and job opportunities to the individuals. As a result, more and more youngsters are found jumping on the bandwagon. Even though we are surrounded by so many intimidating options, the question remains the same – what to learn for a better career? Which out of these is worth giving a shot?
- PHP – Because it’s at its best when it comes to dependency, ease of deployment, problem-solving and availability of resources.
- ASP.Net – Because it is one of the strongest frameworks available consisting of numerous built-in libraries, better UI controls and debugging functionality.
- Java – Even though this one has a complex nature and can be insanely tricky to learn, Java is a good career choice especially for building robust and dynamic websites.
I would choose PHP especially after knowing the fact that around 80% of the web is based on PHP from Facebook to Yahoo, Tumblr, Flickr, MailChimp, Wikipedia, WordPress, and etc. It may also interest you to know that several IT and multinational firms such as HCL, Wipro, TCS adore PHP development.
So what can be achieved by conducting PHP development, you may ask? Well, I say what not! Right from generating dynamic web page content to creating, opening/closing files on the server, sending and receiving cookies, collecting form data, modifying and encrypting data, all these can be achieved by using PHP frameworks.
What are the Career Opportunities in PHP development?
#1 Command Line Scripting
#2 Server-Side Scripting
#3 Developing Desktop Applications
#4 Compiler based Applications
#5 Web Development Applications
What does it take to qualify as a PHP developer?
Many of you have this misconception that web developers and PHP developers are the same. A PHP developer can be considered as a web developer but a web developer cannot be considered as a PHP expert. PHP developers are those programmers or coders who tend to create PHP apps and websites for their clients. Some of their core duties include writing PHP scripts and create/modify code according to their client’s needs and requirements.
Developers are often asked to enter the web development field with a baccalaureate-level education. Apart from that, he or she must have strong coding knowledge and a good understanding of the integrated development environment. Asa PHP development expert, you will be often expected to tackle certain day to day tasks such as:
- Creating, testing and deploying the innovative website and PHP programming applications in the least time possible.
- Identifying and fixing compatibility issues
- Make sure the PHP framework developed website is being tested on all sorts of browsers/devices, i.e. browser compatibility testing.
- Make effective communication with other web development teams
- Provide detailed descriptions of the web development process. This includes everything from product features to budget, PHP programming languages, communication protocols, functionalities, structure, and deadlines.
Ultimately, real-world experience is what matters the most today! So try seeking around for the industry-specific experience. Depending on the job, this could be anything from working with startups to experience playing games on social network sites. Now you think being adhered to these roles and responsibilities is enough? Certainly not, there are certain other aspects you need to keep referring to again and again. Yes, I am talking about the PHP development tools – the hidden arsenals that can take you places. Let us find out what are these PHP tools and how they can enhance your career as a PHP development expert.
A quick tip – All the below-mentioned PHP development tools are perfect for coding and can make your PHP development journey way easier and simpler. Also, programmers irrespective of their experience level can refer to the list when they need to put their PHP development into overdrive. Without any further ado, let’s begin!
Best PHP Development Tools to Consider
PHPStorm
PHPStorm is one of the leading PHP tools due to its several capabilities such as being lightweight, extremely fast, and smooth functioning. The integrated development environment provides live editing support for major front-end technologies like CSS, HTML5, JavaScript, and so more. Some of the finest PHPStorm features include code completion and re-arranger, Zero Configuration Debugging, native zen coding support, etc. Here platforms supported Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Eclipse
When looking for the best PHP development tools across the globe, I am sure you will come across Eclipse. This one is a complete package among the listed PHP tools here. It comprises a broad range of plugins and enables programmers to customize as well as extend the IDE to address the needs of the project.
Some of the outstanding features of the PHP tool include – highlighting the syntax, code templates, navigation, and easy formatting. Again platforms supported Windows, Linux, and Solaris.
Zend Studio
Are you looking for a PHP development tool that supports multiple languages at once? Zend Studio does support PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic, C, C++, and C#. Here you will find an exciting set of features such as indexing and searching the PHP code, docker support, Zend framework, and integration that enable PHP framework to deploy applications on various servers including servers in the cloud.
Sublime Text
Another name included in the best PHP development tools list is Sublime Text. Now unlike PHP tools, this one seems to be more classy and sturdy to me. It is a rare combination of classiness of the Sublime and sturdiness of PHP. Again here you will find platforms supported by Windows and Linux.
It is a customizable text editor with a custom UI toolkit, you can use it to climb across symbols, words, or lines using appropriate key shortcuts. The sublime text enables multiple sections that can make over 10 changes, all at once! It highly supports split editing with an instant project switch feature, effective command palette, plugin API, and packages.
Some of the most important packages for this are xDebug client-CodeBug, Sublime PHP companion, Simple PHPUnit, CodIntel, and PHPDoc.
PHP ED
PHP ED is one of the most robust PHP development tools available around! Certainly, this one offers several benefits among which include enormous support for CSS3, JavaScript, and HTML5.
By using PHP ED, web developers can easily work across several PHP frameworks such as Yii, Zend, and Laravel. It will be a cakewalk. Now many of you ask me, do these kinds of PHP development tools offer any improvisation in regards to coding? Of course, they do, especially this one featuring refactoring capabilities.
Selenium Test
Selenium is another new addition to our list of Top 10 PHP Development Tools. Now more than ever, PHP developers are found producing automated Web app UI tests in any scripting language. In fact, you know right chocolate tastes way better when combined with peanut butter? Similarly, when this PHP tool is combined with PHPUnit, programmers can easily run an automated test with any web browser of their choice. Platform supported Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.
PHP_Debug-
As the name implies, unlike other mentioned PHP development tools, this one is an open-source project that offers useful information about the PHP code which can be used for debugging. With PHP_Debug, you can check the performance of particular code blocks and get variable dumps in graphical form. This can be really helpful if you need a more visual output than the one given to you by print_r() or var_dump().
CodeLobster
Another interesting one from this list of PHP development tools includes CodeLobster. Now if you are looking for a tool that provides immense support to PHP frameworks and CMSes then this is the right option to consider. CMSes such as CakePHP, Drupal, Joomla, Symfony, CodeIgniter, WordPress, and Magento, CodeLobster supports all of them. It has numerous features such as autocomplete, syntax highlights, debuggers, SQL managers, code validators, etc.
Aptana Studio
Another interesting open-source PHP development tool used to integrate with multiple client-side and server-side web technologies like PHP, CSS3, Python, RoR, HTML5, Ruby, etc. It is a high-performing and productive PHP IDE.
It supports the most recent HTML5 specifications, easy collaboration with peers, IDE customization and Git integration capabilities, etc are some of the most intimidating features of Aptana Studio.
Netbeans
Netbeans enables PHP developers to use numerous PHP frameworks and content management systems, including Symfony, CakePHP, Zend, and WordPress. The source code editor and debugger support continuous integration. But you cannot find support for PHP 7.x with NetBeans IDE.
Conclusion
So this is it! These are the top PHP tools every developer whether he is experienced or non-experienced must take into account. Apart from that, being informed and well-aware about the newest developments in the space could be a winning move!