PHP tips to improve your programming skills

The time at which the industry was trembling with Java and .Net applications, PHP come up to the industry to challenge these giants. Moreover, that time JSP and ASP were at their peak stage and hence we can’t ignore the courage of PHP to come up as a challenger in the industry. Anyway, PHP has come up as a winner in latter stage of its life due to its learn-from-mistakes attitude. With every newer version, it becomes even more powerful and efficient. As a result, there are many frameworks get born to support PHP like Zend, Laravel, CakePHP etc. Anyway, today we will discuss few smart features and tips for PHP developers to improve the skill of programming in the industry.

Naming convention is the first step: Well, when a new web developer or PHP developer starts his career in programming; the first and most important thing is to follow Naming convention. As a good software developer, you must follow some basic rules while naming different variables, functions, class, namespace etc. Moreover, you must ensure that these names are meaningful and give adequate hint to understand their basic requirement in the program.

Proper implementation of Session and Cookie: Yes, a good web developer must implement sessions in the application. Session helps in providing continuous service to the user with proper data from database. It also ensures that privacy is maintained from the users prospective. The cookie on the other hand helps in quick web browsing. It stores user’s data in local browser and hence that will definitely help the application to recognize the user and accordingly providing user specific data to the interface.

Avoid unnecessary database connection: This is really an important tip for every web developer including a PHP developer. Sometimes, we find new PHP developers use multiple queries to fetch a set of data to ensure the data availability in the application. This is a terrific problem when you are dealing with some low memory devices like smart phones and tablets. In that case, each and every tiny load on the browser may crash the application. So, you should avoid all nonsense queries in your code to make it more efficient and optimized.

Take the help of modern technologies: As a PHP web developer, you must learn different advanced technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JQuery etc to create enterprise standard web solutions for next generation those are not only attractive but also light weight. Light weight means optimized!! It is an essential part of any modern web application which is supposed to run on different platforms like desktop, laptop, smart phone and tablets. So, you must implement these advanced technologies in your application.

You should learn about Cloud integration: Cloud is a future generation technology. Future is relying on Cloud and so you should!! A good PHP developer is incomplete without being up-to-date. So as a good web developer you must learn different techniques to integrate Cloud in your application. It will definitely bring a smile on the face of your user while roaming within your application.

You can get in touch with a php development company India who can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide custom PHP development services. If you would like to hire php programmer for your web development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.

CodeIgniter and Its Importance to PHP

CodeIgniter (CI) is actually an open source web application framework that is designed to facilitate rapid web development. The framework is mainly used to build dynamic sites with the help of PHP.

It is extremely powerful and comes with an inbuilt code management system, which helps in providing cost effective PHP solutions besides helping in production of code that is easier to browse as well as write, thereby resulting in significant time as well as cost saving.

As it is an open source application, it is free and is readily available, it is light-weight, and extremely easy to use as well as to incorporate. Following are the features of CI, which make the application so much important when it comes to PHP development.

User Guide

One of the most significant features that make the framework so much important, is its user guide that to say the least, is extremely useful as well as quite impressive. The documentation is done in the most professional way that comes in handy for the PHP developers, especially when it comes to coding.

Simplicity

CI is user-friendly, simple, and a significant proportion of the operation is completed through library uploading. Besides, as the workings are open as well as clear, it is fairly easy to comprehend and naturally is easy to use.

Model Handling

When it comes to dealing with models, CI uses a straightforward process, thereby imitating the standard SQL queries with the use of some simple commands.

Data Validation

It also helps in data validation, which is a major aspect while dealing with models, where validation of data is done with the use of validation of class. Thus, it becomes absolutely imperative for the PHP developers to know about CodeIgniter for effective code implementation.

Other advantages that CI offers to PHP developers include:

• Easy, hassle-free, as well as seamless migration from one server to another followed by a smooth installation.

• It is extremely easy to handle and customize to meet the need of the clients

• As it is built with a framework that is MVC based, it comes with a lot of flexibility as well as easy management.

It is important for the PHP developers to know about CodeIgniter as it helps in

• Designing frameworks with footprints that are on the smaller side

• Some outstanding performance presentation

• Intensive compatibility for coming to terms with regular hosting accounts that is important when it comes to managing completely distinctive PHP versions

• Dealing with frameworks that function with practically zero configuration

• For designing a framework that will not put any restrictions while operating with certain specific secret rules of code writing.

The PHP framework of CodeIgniter helps the developers to program much faster and helps improving the performance of the custom PHP applications. CI also comes up with an array of libraries that the developers can use for implementing new value added features to a website in a seamless fashion.

Moreover, the modular approach of CI helps in easier maintainability of the applications along with seamless incorporation of the new features like:

Dynamic Instantiation: In CodeIgniter, the components get loaded and the routines are executed only upon request. The system does not make any preemptive assumptions regarding what will be required to make the system light-weight by default.

Loose Coupling: Coupling is an extent by which the system components depend upon each other. The lesser is this dependency, the more will be the flexibility and usability of the system. CI helps in this loose coupling.

Component Singularity: Singularity is a parameter that measures the extent to which the components will have a narrowly focused objective. In CI, each and every class and the functions thereof are autonomous enough so as to facilitate optimal usefulness.

If you would like to hire PHP developer from PHP development company in India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

PHP Functions – List and Their Usage

PHP comes up with a string of internal or built-in functions which are all used in certain situations to fulfill certain conditions, by simply passing certain values against them. To be frank, the scripting language comes up with nearly 3000 embedded functions. Hence, it is quite impossible to discuss all of them. The language comes up with a manual, which includes a comprehensive documentation of each of them along with example code. Besides, the manual also provides a feature containing the user comments that provide valuable tips to the users. It also comes up with discussions of some common problems that are generally faced by users and documented solutions of the same. There is also a short cut to get to the manual page quickly.

PHP editors generally have the expertise of showing the built-in functions and they use a different color so that the users know that they are built-in ones.

Let us, in this article discuss some of the most important PHP functions and their usage in a comprehensive way.

Functions that define Arbitrary number of arguments

One of the most significant features of PHP is that it provides the option of defining the functions with various optional arguments. However, there is yet another option that completely allows an arbitrary number of functional arguments.

There are a number of PHP functions that come with long as well as descriptive names. Therefore, whenever it is needed to call for a particular function, it becomes really hard to name it, unless and until the user is somewhat familiar with the term and its functionality from any other source.

Glob()

This particular function is used for searching out any pre designated file or files from the database. Technically speaking, this function returns an array or a string of filenames as well as directories by matching them in accordance to a pre medicated or specified pattern. It also returns FALSE on failure to do so.

Actually, it is a more advanced or capable edition or the scandir() that also searches files by using a definite pattern.

MIU or Memory Usage Information

memory-get-usage()

PHP comes up with a typical garbage collector along with a memory manager that is pretty complex in structure as well as functionality. Hence, the amount or extent of memory that is used in a particular script can fluctuate when the script in question is being executed. Hence, the function ‘memory-get-usage()’ can be used to collect the extent of current memory usage at any given point in time.

memory-get_usage()

This particular function is used for getting the highest memory value that is used at any point in time.

Information for CPU Usage

getrusage()

This is another function that is designed to return an associative array that contains data that is returned from a system call. All the entries associated with this function are accessible with the use of their associated documented field names.

Magic Constants

PHP also features eight ‘magic constants’ that are pretty useful, especially when it comes to fetching the current number of the line, current file path, directory path, current trait, the name of the function called, name of the class, method name and the namespace.

These are actually some predefined constants for any script that it runs. Majority of these 8 constants comes up with various extensions and cane used only when those particular extensions are available, either through the process of dynamic loading or simply because they have been assembled or compiled in the script in question. Hence, from that point of view, these constants can well be termed as functions.

Generation of unique IDs

There are instances that demand generation of a string that is absolutely unique. For this the md5() can be used, though this particular function was not developed for this reason. However, even though the strings are ideally unique, they at times come up with first few characters that are similar to other strings, mainly because these strings are all related to server time. Hence, in order to minimize the chance of duplication, a prefix can be passed or created and the second parameter can be added to increase the entropy.

serialize() and unserialize()

As and when the need of storing a complex variable in a text file or a database arises, there is no requirement of converting the objects or arrays into formatted strings. PHP comes up with a couple of extremely valuable functions – ‘serialize()’ and ‘unserialize()’ that serialize the variables or revert the serialization if and when needed.

String Compression

gzcompress() and gzuncompress()

Generally ‘zip’ option is used for file compression. However, when it comes to compressing or decompressing loose strings in PHP, the two functions – gzcompress() and gzuncompress() can be used respectively.

As mentioned at the start of this article, there are innumerable functions that PHP is equipped with. However, these are some of the most popular, useful as well as widely used functions that make the life of the developers easier.You can get in touch with a php development company in India who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php application development services. If you would like to hire certified php developer for your development needs, Please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

//

How effective is it to develop mobile app using PHP?

The last decade has seen the world of technology undergoing a huge revolution. There has been development of several new technologies such as responsive websites, dynamic websites, ecommerce websites, mobile websites, web applications and now mobile applications. The tremendous increase in the amount of smartphone usage has made it imperative for companies to tap into this field. Businesses can now provide services as well as products to the customers instantly, on the go. PHP is a famous open source technology and developing the applications in it, makes them safe as well as reliable; not only that, they are extremely cost-effective as well.

Level of effectiveness

Portable as well as easy to develop- The best reason for most web developers to use this software is the fact how easy it is to develop apps by using it. You do not need to learn any new language; in fact the requirement for new tools is also very limited and optional. The platform is combined out of highly portable technologies which are available on both desktops as well as mobile devices.

Deployment- Deployment is absolutely unequalled; you simply have to put the files up on web server which can be done by anybody; there are plenty of options to do that as well. In general app stores, the situation is quite different. There is need to gain approvals, registrations have to be made and in some countries the application’s content may be censored. But these facts are not applicable for applications built through this language. All you need to do is share the URL of the application so that it can be accessed by people soon after its release.

Naturally multi-device- A huge advantage of using PHP for any kind of app development is the fact that it is able to target device varieties better. You can easily target a vast variety of devices with various screen sizes and resolutions, colour depths, font, input methods, operating systems, etc.

Easy maintenance– The maintenance after deployment is actually quite easy. Users do not have to wait for the rolling out of upgrades for all users to be reached; users can immediately take advantage of the bug fixes. This helps cripple out critical bugs along with security issues.

Cost effective- The open source nature of PHP makes it extremely cost effective to be used. In fact, a huge developer community updates the language from across the globe. Thus all the components can be used as well as distributed for free. The overall development cost is reduced naturally. On top of that, despite the free nature, the development’s quality is not compromised.

Security– The core of the language is solid with an extremely secure architecture. Thus when this framework is used for the development of applications, the end result turns out to be extremely safe, stable as well as secure by itself. Their nature is also really robust and they seldom malfunction or crash.

Steps to build mobile applications by using PHP

1. The first step is using phpMyAdmin to create MySQL Database on a machine.

2. Now new PHP and Flex Mobile project haves to be created by using the respective wizards. The project files must be stored locally.

3. Now the Mobile Test Drive Assets have to be downloaded.

4. TextInput must be added to the ActionBar’s Title Area.

5. Now Buttons have to be added to the ActionBar’s Action Area.

6. Fine tune the entire layout by using Spacer Components.

7. Now the content area of the View should be added with a List Control.

8. The Component Attributes of MXML have to be changed.

9. Now the resources of your PHP application development project must be created.

10. Develop the service.

11. A PHPUnit Test must be run on the service.

12. Now introspect and then bind.

13. API of the component must be viewed.

14. The Mobile Application can be previewed through Desktop Emulator.

15. The final as well as very important step is the debugging of the application.

PHP has a lot of power that should make you get excited to use it. Just a few prerequisites along with basic knowledge can help you harness the huge amount of benefits that are offered by the feature-rich language.

If you would like to hire hire php developer for your php website development needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Best Frameworks in PHP for ERP Applications

The complex nature of business processes has made it a daunting challenge for developers to build robust ERP application rapidly. With more and more enterprises outsourcing business processes, the ERP application needs to consider the requirements of several distributed teams. But there are a number of frameworks in PHP that allows developers to build a variety of ERP application rapidly. Most of these frameworks support the model-view-controller (MVC) approach, while allowing programmers to optimize the app’s performance by structuring their code. If you are planning to build a robust ERP application rapidly, it is a good idea to know some of the best PHP frameworks that will complement your project requirements.

Five of the Best PHP Frameworks for ERP Applications

1) CodeIgniter

The robust framework comes with a set of advanced features that make it easier for programmers to rapidly build ERP applications. In addition to facilitating fast page loads, CodeIgniter further allows developers to avail brilliant documentation and assistance from a large community. The non-strict structural requirements, at the same time, make the PHP framework cost-efficient. You can learn and use CodeIgniter without putting any extra time and effort. Also, the online community forums and chat services will help you in clarifying your doubts and questions.

2) Zend

As the framework developed by makers of the PHP, Zend is used widely to build ERP and business applications. It also allows users to access loads of plugins and advanced features, along with optional free downloads. Unlike other PHP frameworks, Zend enables you to access a custom server. You can use the custom server to check the look, feel and performance of the application across multiple platforms, without additional configurations. However, Zend will require you to invest some funds initially. Also, you have to incur additional expenses to buy add ons from Zend. If you are ready to spend some money, Zend will help you in building robust and customized ERP applications quickly.

3) Yii

Yii is considered to be one of the most effective frameworks to develop social and business applications. It allows you to optimize the performance of the ERP application by availing features like SQL injection, input validation and several security tasks. The framework can further save your time by generating the base code automatically. Also, Yii, at present, is the fasted loading PHP framework in the market. However, you have to invest both time and efforts to learn the ins and outs of Yii. The lack of books and tutorials will further require you to avail the assistance of other PHP developers.

4) FuelPHP

FuelPHP comes with features found in major PHP frameworks. But it combines these features into an approach that is both fresh and distinct. You also have option to refer to active comprehensive and updated Fuel documentation, along with getting help from a large community. The PHP framework is further updated frequently to support new features. Like CodeIgniter, FuelPHP can also be learned without putting any extra time and effort. But you will find the code to be less compact in comparison to CodeIgniter. The framework allows you to optimize the ERP application’s performance by implementing your creative and innovative ideas.

5) Symfony

In comparison to other MVC frameworks, Symfony is much more customizable. You also have option to improve the ERP application’s performance by using different software components that are being used by the project already. Many developers also considered Symfony to be the complete framework to build ERP and business applications. You have option to determine the security level of the application simply by configuring the two writing folders required by Symfony.

While developing an ERP application, each PHP developer has option to choose from several frameworks. So you must evaluate different PHP frameworks according to the specific requirements of your project. However, you also need to keep track of the new and innovative frameworks being launched at frequent intervals. Expert php web development India teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

If you want to outsource php development services or if you would like to hire php developers from top php development companies in India, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

PHP Development – A Potential Technology for Web Application Development

Each web application developer has option to pick from a wide variety of programming languages. But developers across world opt for PHP to build robust web applications by availing a number of advantages. The huge popularity of server-side programming language can also be estimated from the fact that over 21 million websites and web applications are designed using PHP technologies. As PHP can be embedded within HTML effortlessly, the programmers can build high-performance application without writing complex and lengthy code. At the same time, the open source nature of the technology makes it easier for enterprises to curtail web application development cost. If you are planning to switch to PHP programming, it is time to understand its potential for web application development.

What Makes PHP Web Application Developers’ First Choice?

Higher Level of Compatibility

As a powerful web programming language PHP supports major operating systems like Windows, UNIX, Mac and WIN32 QNX. At the same time, it is also compatible with major web servers including Netscape, Apache and Microsoft IIS. Further, the programmers are not required to write longer lines of code, as it can be easily embedded in HTML. A PHP application can also run through an already installed simple local host, and thus does not require any specific Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The compatibility of the technology with major operating systems, webs servers and IDEs makes PHP the best option to build web applications.

Curtail Application Development Cost

With more and more companies venturing into web application development, the business has become complex and competitive. At the same time, the ongoing recessional phase of the economy has made it essential for enterprises to explore options to reduce project overheads. Unlike other proprietary web programming languages, PHP is open source, and can also be used free of cost. Also, PHP enables users to process real-time data by using content management systems like Joomla, WordPress and Drupal, without paying any licensing fees. The open source nature of PHP is also contributes towards increasing its popularity.

Optimize the Application’s Performance and Scalability

PHP is further used by developers across the world to build a variety of complex, interactive and high-performing web applications. Many programmers even choose PHP for both front-end and back-end development to optimize user experience without putting any extra effort. The language is further effective in ensuring maximum capability of the code in its functionality as well as execution. At the same time, PHP is considered to be more scalable and reliable, in comparison to other server-side programming languages, for developing custom web applications. As the language work seamlessly on the conventional LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) stack, it becomes easier for programmers to optimize performance by connecting and aggregating individual components. As the stack does not consume more system resources, the process also contribute towards reducing the time required for loading and executing the web application.

Also Usable for Building Mobile Applications

Many reports have highlighted the constant growth in the number of users accessing internet on their mobile devices. So a web application must be compatible with major mobile operating systems to become hugely popular. Along with developing a variety of web application, PHP is also used by programmers to build mobile apps for mobile platforms like iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry. The language further enable developers to build both backend-code and front-end user interface at a time, while taking advantages of distinct data sources, cloud services, CRM systems and social networks.

Easy to Learn and Use

The beginners have to put some amount of time and effort to learn a new programming language. In comparison to other web programming languages, PHP is much easier to learn. So the beginners can easily switch to PHP development. The simple command functions and logical syntax further makes it easier for developer to create and optimize applications by describing exact features and functionalities. Also, the developers having prior experience in C and Perl will find PHP much easier. The similarity of syntax will further enable them to write code within a very short span of time.

A web application developer also has options to use customized PHP frameworks to build a variety of robust web applications rapidly. At the same time, the beginners can further avail the support of a large community of developers, along with accessing a large collection of documentation, tutorials, FAQs and online help. Expert PHP developers India teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide custom PHP development services. If you would like to hire php programmers from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Top Reasons why Enterprise Level Application should be built in Symfony

Among so many popular PHP frameworks why should one choose Symfony? There are 101 reasons to choose Symfony. It is the latest framework used world over having some amazing features and great documentation which can help its users. It can speed up creating robust web applications. And can maintain and customize web apps really well. Most important is, it is open-source, free and its libraries deliver some of the best standardized set of job-specific tools, that can be used across many different projects. It follows (MVC) Model View Controller paradigm and avoids using repetitive tasks.

The Symfony has delivered best applications sufficing various needs of business and enterprise domains. It has built applications for various sectors such as community sectors, social networking sectors, content management, online auction, online invoice etc. It can be used as a free project management tool suitable for small to big size projects. It is fully configurable. Managing tasks, people, customers get easier in enterprise level applications. Some of the best and popular sites using this framework are Snippet, Steer CMS, Askeet, PlanCake, Limetracker, Yahoo bookmark, travel bug, w3counter.com etc.

This open source framework was born in 2005 and is the first unique framework to support the latest PHP version 5.3 to by has a huge community of users and contributors. More than 550 people contributed to the Symfony core and the community was over 1,600 bundles for the full-stack framework. It also has many annual dedicated conferences around the world and has a huge fan following user group.

Top Reasons to choose Sympony:

• Flexible Architecture: It enables developers to create superb and long-lasting web applications and web services in the easiest possible way. Empowered by MVC components, which enable this application to filter the logic from its defined user interface – in order to make the desired changes. In fact, testing also becomes easier and faster.

• Innovation: Symfony has everything one expects from a framework, it is flexible, got a good speed, reusable components, etc. Then a structure of what has been developed and uses of best practices.

• Useful: Since Sensio has developed a habit of shaking up the established order and is always striving for excellence, Symfony (and its entire community) has developed a sense of curiosity that goes well beyond PHP. And has some added features which has served the world of PHP in a different way, such as dependency injection from the Java world. It has a web debug toolbar which has helped programmers in a productive way.

• Interoperability: Build applications in a way to meet the best business needs, for this Symfony plays a big role. Symfony respects the existing standards of PHP: The PHPUnit, naming conventions for classes, etc. Furthermore, Symfony also allows to use certain of its software building blocks such as translation management, dependency injector, form management, etc. without necessarily using the framework in its entirety. It has interoperable features and uses external software building blocks like Swiftmailer.

• Reputation: Quickly adopted by technocrats active in this field following its launch in 2005, Symfony today gives stable environment that is both popular and recognized internationally. The number of its references have grown significantly since its launch. Symfony is also an active community driven; developers, integrators, users and other contributors who participate in the ongoing enrichment of this tool.

• Easier Maintenance: Symfony automatically has low performance overheads. Symfony development builds customized, robust applications for all kinds of enterprises, as well as enables developers full control over the configuration i.e. one can customize everything. Symfony have a collection of tools to help programmers to unit test, debug and document development process in order to match enterprise specifications.

• Resources: It builds robust applications in an enterprise context, thus provides developers full liberty to control over the configuration – right from directory structure to the foreign libraries everything. Symfony aims at shortening this time and also aims at automating common tasks so that the developer can focus on various specifications of the web applications.

• References: It renders applications for varied sectors such as intranets, public sites, community sites, social networks, management and workflow applications, etc. Examples hundreds of sites and applications of all sizes and of all types trust Symfony. Yahoo, Opensky.com, Dailymotion, have been supported by this framework .

Symfony is a well-organized and simple to use and learn framework. Written in PHP language, it is one of those PHP5 frameworks which has a good documentation support , number of useful plug-ins, updates, new release versions and much more. Symfony framework is also gaining popularity and recognition for its simple installation and stable performance in Windows and other systems.It supports databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle. It even supports automated form validation and user input clearance for avoiding SQL injections and XSS attacks.

Resolving routine tasks of Symfony developers is quick with Symfony Development as it allows rapid web application development as well as web application management. It aims to build classic applications in an enterprise level, which means one can get total control over the configuration right from the directory structure to libraries and almost everything can be customized. Symfony is bundled with additional tools for development purpose, thus helping to test its applications. It can debug and document any project. By choosing this framework, one can get the benefit of an active open-source community. PHP web development teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified php developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Top Benefits of PHP Agavi Framework

PHP frameworks streamline the development of web applications written in PHP by providing MVC (Model View Controller) architecture. Where the Model refers to data, View to the presentation layer and Controller to the application or business logic, this makes coding in PHP faster and less complex, as each of them works separately without affecting other operations. A framework prompts a developer to write good code, adds structure to the code, and makes it more readable and maintainable. In addition, a framework makes programming easier, by converting complex operations into simple ones.

Today PHP frameworks play a major role in designing customized web applications by enhancing the general format of PHP coding for the development of web applications. The latest important news revolving around PHP forums is that it’s expanding the PHP frameworks, to cater the needs of web-based applications and their development gets easier. Additionally these frameworks allow web programmers to reuse the developed code and create a stabilized and dynamic web content, which is liked by all. Some of the important frameworks used these days are Agavi, Smarty PHP, Prado, Zend Framework, Symfony, Cake-PHP, Yii and Solar.

The main benefits of using a PHP framework are as follows:

• Code Re-use

• Saves time and effort

• Access to services API’s

• Community forums

• Easy plugin creation

Agavi is a new framework which helps programmers to write clean, maintainable and extensible code. It is the latest PHP5 web application framework started with the famous Mojavi project. This framework is a great way to save time and effort on software projects; the pre-built modules perform tedious coding tasks and open a great way to learn about good coding practice. Agavi produces full-fledged applications with the website construction kit.

This is an Open Source framework supporting some of the important features such as web services, internationalization and heavy focus on code modularity and reusability. It is search engine optimization friendly. Agavi methods solve application-specific problems such as maintaining customer databases and sending promotional emails to customers. Any application may be implemented entirely inside a single Model or across dozens of Models that represent various areas of software. Some Models act as wrappers for external libraries and even other applications or interfaces.

Benefits Agavi Framework

• State management: There are a lot of states in the web application process that needs to be maintained. Agavi framework makes life very easy for programmers by allowing them to manage and control the entire state of the application.

• Generalizing Queries: Without databases no web applications can be developed ever. With PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite any dynamic websites can be created apart from generating queries. This framework supports various databases.

• Form Handling: Agavi Framework can help in situations when some wrong data is entered in the form and the database displays an error. With its help the chances of errors get reduced as the framework will check everything and even the debugging of errors become simpler.

• Code generation: The entire data can be handled while creating a database. A code generator can be utilized for the database and the framework should create forms which are to be used for data entry.

• AJAX: It stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, is not new but is one of the most desired web 2.0 powered websites. Usually it takes lot of time to write down the functions with AJAX but with the help of Agavi framework, the entire process becomes easier.

Developers get added benefits using this framework – it gives the ability to build complex websites quickly and easily. Repeated coding is avoided using this framework which has inbuilt core library, where coding gets lighter as compared to the traditional way of PHP coding. It has its own specific debugging methodologies such as Session and cookie Handling, Pagination, Form Validation, Input/output, Database Abstraction, , Email, Calendar etc. the Agavi framework offers the best built-in tools to make work easier, quicker and built securely.

With this framework, most of the work can be done automatically. 3rd party libraries are used all the time for every new project because most of them will come with the default framework install. It fixes things automatically using this modern framework which are great with dynamic loading, where they load code only as needed. Different page requests can be loaded with different amount of library code based on what needs to be used. Developers can have fun using this framework making life easy and deploy classy apps implementing cool new things with new customized features. And no doubt that Frameworks are cool and hot today, used for developing and deploying rich business applications. So why not take their advantage and meet best business needs. PHP application development teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified php developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

PhpStorm 6.0: Take PHP by Storm!

The frequently changing trends in web application development have made many code editors obsolete. With websites being developed using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, it has become essential for developers to choose an editor that perfectly complements the project development environment. As a cross platform integrated development environment, JetBrains PhpStorm is hugely popular among PHP developers. Along with providing an intelligent editor for HTML, PHP and JavaScript code, the editor comes with features like error prevention and automatic refactoring of code.

JetBrains has built PhpStorm on IntelliJ IDEA. As the framework is written in Java, developers can write their own plug-ins, in addition to using the existing plug-ins created for the platform. A developer can also use PhpStorm to avail all features of WebStorm. Along with PHP and database supports, he can further avail a set of pre-installed JavaScript plug-ins without incurring any additional expenses. The latest version of the PHP code editor comes with a set of innovative features to help programmers in meeting the latest trends in website and web application development.

What Makes PhpStorm 6.0 an Intelligent Code Editor?

Full Support for PHP 5.4: If you are looking for a code editor that supports the latest version of PHP, then PhpStorm is your best option. The editor enables you to avail advantages of several syntax improvements including short array syntax, accessing class member on instantiation, binary literals, dereferencing array on function call, and static call expressions. At the same time, PhpStorm also supports the legacy projects developed using PHP 5.3.

Automatic Code Completion: Each developer frequently explores options to avoid writing lengthy code. Many programmers also look for smart ways to complete their coding. The automatic code completion feature of PhpStorm makes it easier for developers to build complex application without writing longer code. The feature can be invoked simply on typing, and used to finalize methods, classes, variable names, and PHP keywords. Also, a developer can use the feature to finalize variables and fields according to their types, and indexing arrays in PHP code.

Support for PHPDocs: The editor also supports the PHPDocs used in your code. Also, based on annotations, it provided relevant code completion suggestions. Whenever the PHPDocs in the program are edited, PhpStorm automatically completes the types and variable names based on the corresponding code blocks. Also, the PHPDocs are always updated while refactoring the PHP code.

PHP Refactoring: The frequent changes in user demands have made it essential for a website to remain dynamic and interactive. Often developers have to edit and re-factor their coding to optimize the web application’s performance. PhpStorm allows programmers to easily rename and move files, classes, constants, methods, functions, properties, parameter, along with the global and local variables. The PHP refactoring feature enables developers to incorporate local changes immediately, along with making global project changes in a secure and hassle-free way.

PHP Code Sniffer: Most developers want to access PHP porgrams on the fly. With the code sniffer feature of PhpStorm, a programmer can simply open a PHP file, and check the code on the fly. Further, the check is initiated automatically each time some changes are made to the PHP file. The sniffer also makes it easier for developers to fix the problems reported by it.

Smarty Template Engine: Often the .tpl files need modification to boost user experience. PhpStorm is designed with the Smarty template engine that allows you to avail several advantages while working with templates. You can use the engine to configure syntax highlighting for strings, keywords, syntax errors and variables. Further, the engine can insert quotes, paired braces and closing tags automatically. The engine further enables you to customize templates to meet the specific requirements of your web application.

Code Arranger: Along with writing the code, programmers also have to arrange and structure the coding in a systematic way. The latest version of PhpStorm comes with Code (re)arranger, a powerful tool that can be used to control the structure of both existing and generating code. For instance, based on your needs, you can arrange the methods based on fields or keep the dependent methods together. The tool will be of great help to the members of a distributed team to maintain the structure of code without putting any extra effort.

The PhpStorm 6.0 also comes with a set of innovative features like smart namespace handling, new database schema editor, and fresh web tool kit. These features make the editor effective in meeting the latest trends in web application development. With these features, PhpStorm becomes powerful enough to take PHP by storm. PHP developer India teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php application development services . If you would like to know what makes us expert php programmers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

Who is an Ideal PHP Developer?

The frequent changes in the choices and demands of users have made web application development process both complex and complicated. Most companies, nowadays, look for innovative ways to design websites that can attract, impress and captivate the visitors. As a server side scripting language, PHP is hugely popular among developers to provide a distinct look and feel to a variety of websites.

A php development company planning to hire a PHP web developer can easily receive CVs from a large number of jobseekers. But each organization finds it a daunting challenge to find an ideal PHP developer. When you are looking for a professional PHP developer, the applicant is surely expected to be theoretically and practically sound in PHP development. Also, he must understand the key features of different versions of PHP, and be able to differentiate between PHP 4 and PHP 5.

However, most of the websites, nowadays, are being designed using multiple languages. So a professional, who has minimum knowledge on other languages, can easily integrate the codes in PHP. For instance, if the PHP developer knows HTML, CSS and Flash, he can optimize the look and feel of all web applications. At the same time, he must possess some additional qualities that make the PHP developer ideal and more efficient.

5 Important Qualities of an Ideal PHP Web Developer

• Good Understanding of Object Oriented Programming:A developer with good understanding of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) can learn and use other programming languages without putting any extra time and effort. So you must ask certain OOP-related questions to the applicant to test his understanding. For instance, you can ask several questions to the applicant to check his knowledge on important concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, constructors and interfaces. Also, he must be able to clearly differentiate between private, public, protected and static methods and functions.

• Knowledge of Major Databases:A successful web application must be effective in gathering and synchronizing information from several data sources. Also, the choice of databases varies from one organization to another based on the nature and volume of their data. So an ideal PHP developer must have knowledge regarding both SQL and non-SQL databases. Along with a clear understanding of primary and foreign keys, he also needs to know the database design patterns. It is also important for the developer to at least know one commonly used source control system, along with the importance of CVS.

• Must Know Various Aspects of Web Application Testing: Most companies, nowadays, opt for test driven web application design to save time and resources. So you must hire a PHP developer who has a clear understanding of important web application testing concepts and techniques. The professional also need to know what unit testing is, why unit testing is important, how to unit test JavaScript, and how to use Selenium to check the compatibility of the application with major web browsers. You should also determine if he knows appendChild, removeChild, nextSibling, and other methods to manipulate DOM. The additional web application testing knowledge will further contribute towards controlling the overall project cost.

• Interested in Learning Latest Technologies:Despite being a powerful language PHP cannot be used exclusively to build an entire website. Most web application interfaces are designed using HTML and CSS. Similarly, many web pages used client side scripting languages like DOM Programming and JavaScript to reduce the load on web server. Also, most web applications are designed using open source scripts and templates. Often the open source codes are integrated with PHP script to customize the websites. So an ideal PHP developer must know these languages and technologies, in addition to possessing good PHP programming skills.

• Ability to Connect with Other Professionals:Often companies want to impress their customers by offering innovative and distinct features. So the PHP developer has to face constant challenges to boost the look and feel of various web applications. If the develop is good in communication with other developers, he can easily avail their assistance whenever the need arises. The good communication skill will further make it easier for you to handle clients and other stakeholders in the project. Also, the developer will work as part of a team consisting of other developers and project managers. If he can communicate with other professionals smoothly, it will optimize the overall productivity of your web application development team.

We provide php web development services. If you would like to know more about our certified php developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.