PHP is a premier choice for many developers to create state-of-the-art web applications. Indeed, it is a popular server-side scripting language with a vast user base. PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, and it is a lenient server-side language when it comes to coding style and functionality. It is easy to learn and compatible with multiple databases and systems. However, there always arises a question: what to choose between Core PHP and PHP Frameworks? PHP is undoubtedly the most suitable option for any web application project. Nevertheless, PHP frameworks offer numerous benefits that simplify and expedite PHP coding. Whether you use a framework or go with core PHP, you can rely on the PHP website development service, a good choice for any web development project. 

Here are some differences between Core PHP vs PHP Frameworks

When using Core PHP, developers work with the PHP server-side language only to create dynamic web pages. They use PHP syntax and coding style to make any required web solution. Moreover, PHP frameworks are another phenomenon that works with PHP and give more flexibility. PHP frameworks like Laravel, CodeIgniter, Zend, etc., have outstanding features and benefits. 

PHP frameworks simplify coding, expedite the workflow, and give a different approach to creating a web application. Many differences between core PHP development and PHP frameworks exist. Due to these differences, you can jump to another work environment from one work environment.    

To work with core PHP, developers need knowledge of the core principles of the language that enable them to write precise code. On the other hand, PHP frameworks use extra libraries that enhance their productivity and abilities. With PHP frameworks, developers can break down the code and separate different layers. It is best explained by MVC (Model, View, Controller) architecture. 

For any PHP framework, PHP is the backbone of the technology and inherits all the basic functionality. However, PHP frameworks have some unique features that cannot be found in core PHP because they are enhanced with more functionalities. Most popular PHP frameworks use MVC architecture. Usually, the use of the frameworks can improve productivity in PHP development.  

*The scientific calculator analogy
*
When it comes to solving a mathematical problem, you have two ways to do so. You can take out paper and pen then solve the problem manually or use a scientific calculator to solve it quickly. Either way, you can solve a mathematical problem, but your approach to solving it is different. Core PHP is like the manual method, and the PHP framework is like the scientific calculator. When solving on paper, there are high chances of messing around the problem and inconsistency that lead to unreliable results. 

On the other hand, solving a problem with a scientific calculator has higher rates of accuracy. Scientific calculators work on specific algorithms designed to give accurate results. It is the case with Core PHP vs PHP frameworks. When using Core PHP, you have to do everything manually and try to solve problems with PHP. Using a scientific calculator is like using PHP frameworks for web development. 

Benefits of Core PHP 
Ease of development

When using core PHP, developers don’t need to reference any library, which means no addition to projects for creating a web application. Therefore, it removes the constrictive hassle and all configurations you have to do for the PHP frameworks. Indeed, core PHP makes web development straightforward by simply creating PHP code. 

Flexibility

Core PHP provides flexibility for experimenting and trying innovative ideas that can go beyond the set structures of PHP frameworks. Developers can take advantage of the core PHP functionalities to create efficient solutions that will add value to your enterprise solution. You can hire dedicated PHP developer to leverage PHP’s flexibility to create the right solution as per your specific business requirements. 

Compatibility and integration

PHP is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, so it can run on different platforms easily. Apart from this, PHP can be integrated with other technologies such as Java to produce advanced web solutions. No redevelopment is required that saves time and money.  

Gives developers more control

Undoubtedly, core PHP includes the core functionalities of PHP that developers have access to for creating the desired solutions. Further, compared to other server-side scripting languages, PHP gives more control to developers. Other languages are entangled in long and complicated scripts, but it’s not true with PHP. It can do many things in a few lines of code that other languages cannot do. Similarly, core PHP brings more flexibility and control than using a framework, as developers have access to the language's core functions.   

Benefits of PHP frameworks

Expedite web development
Today, starting businesses like startups require rapid prototyping and getting their minimum viable products out as fast as possible. PHP frameworks are best to fulfill this requirement because they offer rapid development. These frameworks support various development approaches, mainly MVC (Model-View-Controller). This development pattern provides an application architecture serving as a template and helps in rapid development. 

Simplify the maintenance of web applications

PHP frameworks provide a good structure for a web application and encourage best web development practices resulting in loosely coupled code with lesser repetition. It means reading, testing, maintenance, and further development are easy for PHP-based web applications. 

No additional code is needed to be written

With a PHP framework, developers need not reinvent the wheel as many of the functionalities have been already built into the framework developers can use. Unlike core PHP, where most of the functionalities have to be made from scratch, frameworks offer many of them out of the box in the form of libraries and modules. For instance, PHP frameworks have in-built code for handling user authentication, session management, user login stature, and more. 

Automate common web development tasks

Developers have to perform different tasks apart from writing code. Many of these tasks require additional effort and time. PHP frameworks offer tools and features that help developers automate common tasks such as session management, authentication, URL mapping, etc.

Work with databases efficiently

PHP frameworks allow developers to work with most relational databases. Many of these frameworks also offer ORM (Object Relational Mapping) systems to simplify database operations further. Developers can utilize ORM to perform database operations without writing long SQL codes. 

Protect against targeted security attacks

PHP is considered a secure server-side scripting language with enhanced security features. The frameworks allow developers to use the best security practices and use of ready-made components to strengthen the security of various web solutions built on PHP. 

Efficient unit testing

You face the Core PHP vs PHP framework dilemma whenever you decide to develop a web application with PHP development services. Finding which choice is better isn’t easy because both have advantages and disadvantages. You can choose any option that is the best fit for your project.

Final note

PHP is widely used for creating top-of-the-line web applications. It offers numerous advantages over other server-side scripting languages. However, core PHP is different from using PHP frameworks. Selection of any technology between core PHP or PHP frameworks can be a developer’s choice, but they offer a whole new level of web development. Core PHP makes the best use of language to build web solutions. And PHP frameworks give higher functionalities with the use of libraries. You can rely on a PHP development company to create a great web application without taking the pain of choosing a technology.