Why I like the Zend Framework

6th February 2007

I’ve been researching the Zend Framework for PHP in relation to a project I’m working on and I have to say I’m now a fan of it. There’s lots to like about it, and some to dislike about it too. But to me the best aspect of it is the flexibility it offers. Unlike some frameworks, you don’t have to use the complete package. Instead you can pick and choose which bits to use and plug it together with your own classes to get a complete product that meets your particular needs.

For myself, I’m using the controller and view aspects of the framework with a few minor additions of my own. Alongside this I’m using the model set-up that I’ve evolved over a number of projects, with the addition of a few components from the Zend_Framework. Slotting the framework into my current workflow has proven remarkably easy.

If I was to make one complaint it would be about the documentation. It has some gaps in it at the moment but it’s early days yet. Much of the detail I’ve discovered has been by inspecting the source code, but the code itself is clearly structured and well commented so it’s relatively easy to rummage through and find what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a PHP framework it’s worth checking out more than one since they all have different advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a short list to consider.

• Zend Framework
• CakePHP
• Symphony
• Solar

Tags: PHP, Zend Framework