Among the most popular web frameworks in 2022, Laravel ranks 13th with a popularity of 9.45%, as per a research of Statista. Laravel is among the few PHP frameworks that make it to the list of most used web frameworks in 2022. Over the GitHub platform, Laravel holds the most trending repositories and 45000 stars.
Laravel rules the list of top PHP frameworks and is the preferred choice for most web development projects. Symfony, CodeIgniter, Zend, Slim, etc., produce stiff competition but fail to match the mesmerising properties offered by the Laravel framework.
If you were leading a PHP development project and were confused about whether to choose Laravel for your project! You have landed on the right page. Here we will explore the following:
- What is the Laravel framework?
- Top 7 benefits of using the Laravel framework.
Before we proceed, look at the infographic from Statista below, providing insights into the popularity of the Laravel framework.
What is the Laravel framework?
Laravel is a worldwide renowned web framework based on PHP. It is open-source in nature and provides users with the freedom of significant levels of customization. It was initially released in June 2011 and has witnessed multiple updates over the years.
The framework gained traction since its release of version 3, which brought many exciting features to the floor. The notable ones included a command line interface called artisan, support for the database system, migration support, etc.
The latest edition of the framework is Laravel 9, released in February 2022. The newest version of the Laravel framework minimises PHP requirements, integrates Symfony mailer, and hosts many new features. It differs from other PHP frameworks in multiple ways.
Following are the Top 7 Benefits of Using the Laravel Framework
#1. Model-View-Controller Architecture
The MVC architecture is a notable benefit of what sets the Laravel framework apart from the others. The MVC pattern is primarily considered among the best development practices as it ensures greater clarity between the logic and the presentation via the usage of controllers.
The following infographic provides a pictorial representation of how the MVC design works.
With MVC, the final result is an extraordinary performance, better documentation, high readability, and much more. Moreover, the design pattern facilitates the creation of large and small-scale projects quickly and conveniently.
#2. Single API for Multiple Storage Systems
The framework has integrated support for the Cloud storage system, including Amazon S3 & Rack space for local usage. Laravel development facilitates users with simple switching between multiple storage options as the same API works for each. Thus the developed web application can be powered by multiple storage systems, which enhances the storage capacity of the app.
#3. Advance Security Features
Unfortunately, the global cybercrime rate stands at 54%, a rising concern for everyone around us. A significant issue with websites and web apps has been the increasing number of malware, spyware, etc. The following infographic from Statista provides insights into the rising number of malware attacks.
The Laravel framework critically caters to online threats with advanced security features. Using the Laravel API development services, one can easily enhance the security aspects of the already running application. Some of the notable security features of the Laravel framework include the following:
- Bcrypt password hashing
- Password rehashing
- Logging a user out of the application
- Protecting a route
- Inserting CSRF token
#4. Continuous Updates over the Years
The Laravel framework comes with many updates that enhance security and user experience. Introduced in 2011, the framework has received 22 updates over the years. It practically means the framework gets updated nearly every six months. With such a concentrated focus on updates, the framework remains consistent with evolving technologies.
The latest Laravel version is Laravel 9, which comes with default HTTP client time-out, PHP 8 string functions, etc. Laravel support services can update your website to the latest Laravel version, which helps you enhance the user experience of your website.
#5. Completely Open Source Project
Laravel is famous as a 100% open-source project which provides developers with greater freedom over the framework. It also ensures a significant level of customization for the development project. Moreover, enterprises save money as zero charges are required for using the framework.
#6. Support for Unit Testing
The PHP framework Laravel comes with in-built support for unit testing. The test cases available in the integrated unit testing detect and prevent regression in the framework. Along with the artisan command-line utility, one can efficiently run the entire unit tests into the application. Moreover, unit testing through the PHP units allows the hired laravel developers team to analyse the application features effectively.
#7. Scalable Solution
A business may start with a limited group audience. However, no enterprise wants to limit its reach, and as far as the online market is concerned, everyone wants to keep growing. Laravel is an ideal solution for growing businesses as it is a future-proof scalable solution.
The framework comes with a message queue system that proves beneficial in load balancing and handling a growing audience. Moreover, Laravel allows the development of the server infrastructure that grows with the increasing traffic. The configuration by convention method acts as an effective way of creating scalable websites and web apps.
Wrapping Up
I hope the above article provides you with a clear idea of how Laravel is beneficial as a PHP framework and what it brings to the development project. However, it would help if you had the technical expertise to ensure functional result-oriented software.
A Laravel development company can help you make the most of this advanced framework as they have years of experience in creating business-oriented solutions.
