PHP Development Tools To Build Web Applications

In today’s digital age, having a website is essential for every business to establish an online presence. Web apps can help expand the target audience or simply provide better services or functionalities. Both developers and businesses often prefer to use PHP for building dynamic and reliable web solutions. 

Creating a website or web application is challenging, especially for large or complex projects. You can solve this problem by hiring a reputed PHP development company.   

Developers can navigate through the complexities of a project by using the PHP development tool. It streamlines the workflow and simplifies the entire process. In this article, we are going to explore the concept of PHP development tools and discuss the most promising options along with their key features.

1. What are PHP Development Tools?

PHP is a widely used programming language with a vast ecosystem. It provides numerous PHP development tools that enhance the language’s functionality and help make web development easier, faster, and more efficient. 

There are many options available in PHP development tools, ranging from a simple text editor to a feature-rich IDE. Sublime Text, PhpStorm, and Visual Studio Code are among the most popular PHP development tools. Useful in a lot of development chores like programming and debugging, these tools can even help you manage a large or complex project without any hassle.

2. Best PHP Development Tools You Must Know

Every PHP developer, whether a beginner or an expert, needs to use development tools. With a lot of options out there, picking the best can be a challenging task. Therefore, we provide you with a list of top PHP development tools that you can use in your upcoming web development project.

2.1 Visual Studio Code

Microsoft created an open-source code editor called Visual Studio Code (VSC). It is popular and widely used among the developer community for its cross-platform compatibility, extensibility, and rich set of features. 

As one of the best code editors available on the internet, VSC is useful for building a basic website and a fully customized web solution. Though it is not specifically designed for PHP development, Visual Studio Code does provide exceptional PHP development capabilities through various extensions. 

Its user-friendly design allows VSC to offer many intuitive functionalities like auto-completion, error checking, code linting, inline parameter hints, syntax highlighting, etc. VSC also enables you to customize the editor as per your preferences and project requirements. 

Web developers can easily communicate with their team members and maintain a clean code, thanks to the seamless Git integration provided by the Visual Studio Code.

VSC Features: 

• IntelliSense: VS Code provides smart code completion, suggestions, and parameter hints for a wide range of frameworks and web development languages. 
• Live Share: The development team leverages the Live Share collaboration feature to work together on the same codebase in real time, especially if they are working from remote locations. 
• Integrated Terminal: The integrated terminal that comes with the VS Code tool allows developers to perform in-line tasks, run scripts, and execute commands without leaving the editor. 
• Task Runner: This built-in feature in the VS code editor allows PHP developers to automate common tasks like writing, testing, and deploying the code. 
• Snippets: Visual Studio Code allows you to write, save, and reuse user-defined code snippets to save time, improve consistency, and fulfill custom requirements.

2.2 PHPStorm

PHPStorm is one of the most commonly used PHP development tools. Its light-weight and high speed are the top reasons behind its popularity. PHPStorm offers seamless integration with major PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CakePHP, as well as with Content Management Systems such as WordPress, Drupal, and Magento. 

PHPStorm simplifies interactions with various command-line tools, version control systems, composers, and databases. It supports multiple front-end technologies for real-time programming, code refactoring, and debugging. 

In many projects, PHPStorm is used as a standard debugging tool because it has easy code navigation and offers multiple testing features.

PHPStorm Features:

• PHP Editor: The code editor in PHPStorm supports syntax highlighting, which makes it easy for developers to work with a scripting language like PHP. It also allows the customization of fonts and colors to represent different sections of code in a varying manner. This helps you organize the code and maintain a clear structure. PHP editor here also supports numerous coding styles. 
• Testing and Debugging: PHPStorm allows you to use PHPUnit to create and run unit tests. It helps detect duplicate code. This IDE simplifies the debugging process with zero configuration. PHPStorm generates comprehensive reports automatically and offers various functionalities for quick debugging. 
• Supports PHAR: It is a package format that allows you to distribute the libraries and app by compressing all the resource types, including bundles of PHP scripts into a single zip file. 
• Database and Version Control: PHPStorm enables you to connect with multiple databases and carry out different tasks like editing the data, query execution, and more. This IDE also supports various version control systems. They offer the finalization of variables, classes, and methods in PHP to create and maintain a clean codebase.

2.3 Zend Studio

PHP web developers can save time and effort when writing or debugging code using Zend, known for its optimal speed. You can use this PHP development tool to deploy and organize applications on any server, including the cloud environments. 

Zend Studio provides code editors with intuitive code assistance, code completion, advanced split editing, analytic reporting, and real-time verification capabilities. Though Zend has a comprehensive functionality, it never fails to offer lightning-fast performance. 

You can easily extend the functionalities of the Zend Studio, through its plugins that integrate seamlessly with Eclipse. Zend Studio is rather popular for debugging PHP scripts. 

Zend Studio Features: 

• Debugging: To rapidly find and fix problems in the early development stages, Zend offers robust debugging instruments like Xdebug, X-ray, and Zend Debugger. 
• Advanced Code Editor: Zend Studio offers a code editor with advanced features like smart code analysis, code completion, syntax highlighting, and more. 
• Integration: Zend allows you to run, test, and debug PHP apps in a Docker container. It also offers smooth integration with various databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL. 
• Built-in Version Control System: With the support of version control systems like CVS, Git, and SVN, Zend makes it easy to implement any changes in the code. 
• Compatibility: This PHP development tool supports all popular PHP frameworks like Laravel and CodeIgniter, and all major operating systems like Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its built-in cloud capabilities also allow you to deploy PHP applications to public or private cloud environments.

2.4 Sublime Text

Sublime Text is quite a popular text editor in the PHP community. Though it is not an actual Integrated Development Environment (IDE), it can be turned into a decent PHP editor by using certain plugins or packages. 

Sublime Text provides native support for many markup and programming languages. Sublime Text is hailed as one of the greatest IDEs by PHP developers because of its unique look and feature-rich functions. 

You can configure this text editor to match your preferences and requirements. It also comes with a customizable UI toolkit and offers key shortcuts for navigating through lines, words, and symbols. This functionality enables you to go to any line of PHP code and modify it easily. After all, this PHP text editor is popular for its flexibility and extensive customization options. 

Sublime Text Features:

• Syntax Highlighting: This PHP development tool allows you to highlight different parts of your code as per their meaning and functions. This makes it easy to read your code and identify errors in it. In Sublime Text, you can change the color scheme, font size, and code indentation according to your project requirements. 
• Multiple Cursors: This is one of the most unique features of Sublime Text. It allows you to use multiple cursors simultaneously. Following that, you can edit multiple lines in your PHP code at once. Using multiple cursors saves a lot of time and is very helpful when formatting the code, changing tags, or renaming variables. 
• Snippets and Completions: Sublime Text speeds up the coding process by offering snippets and completions. Snippets are predefined pieces of code that can be reused with a keyword or a shortcut. Meanwhile, completions are the suggestions given by the code editors based on the syntax and context of the program while you write it. 
• Split Screen and Tabs: You can work on multiple files or projects at the same time using split screens and tabs in Sublime Text. It allows you to split your screen horizontally and vertically. You can just drag and drop your files or tabs into different panes and start working simultaneously. This way, you can compare, copy, or edit different parts of code, files, or projects without switching or leaving your window.

2.5 Eclipse

Eclipse is one of the most widely used PHP tools because of its comprehensive development capabilities. It supports all the major operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can easily work with both GUI and non-GUI programs.

This popular IDE simplifies the development of complex PHP apps. It is easy to use and offers a lot of options for plugins to extend its functionalities and customize configurations. Eclipse can be used for web servers or applications that support PHP, but it is an ideal choice for large projects. 

Eclipse Features: 

• Advanced Code Editor: Eclipse provides autocomplete suggestions, syntax highlighting, code navigation, and certain refactoring tools to streamline the web development process and easily maintain the code. 
• Testing and Debugging Support: Eclipse allows you to integrate with PHPUnit to write and run unit tests directly in the IDE. It also supports various debugging tools like Zend Debugger and Xdebug. 
• Integrated Terminal: Eclipse IDE comes with an integrated terminal that allows you to run command-line tools without the need to leave IDE. 
• Extensibility: To meet your project requirements, you can easily extend the functionality of this PHP development tool using the various plugins it supports. Eclipse also offers seamless integration with SVN, Git, and other version control systems. 

2.6 NetBeans

NetBeans is a popular PHP development tool because of its lightweight nature and rich features. Though it was initially used for Java development, it now supports PHP and other programming languages like HTML5, C++, and C through various extension plugins.

It is an ideal option for building large-scale web applications, especially if your project is international, as it supports multiple languages like English, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, etc. This IDE works with various versions of PHP and supports all major PHP frameworks like FuelPHP, Symfony, and Zend. 

NetBeans is open-source and provides most of its functionalities for free. Smart code suggestions, code folding, code completion, and syntax highlighting are some of its best offerings. NetBeans also supports code inspections and code refactoring. 

It’s a cross-platform IDE and hence is compatible with many operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Solaris. Building a cross-platform PHP app is a piece of cake when using this IDE. 

NetBeans features: 

• Version Control Integration: PHP developers can simplify source code management and collaboration with NetBeans, which provides seamless integration with version control systems like Subversion and Git. 
• Refactoring Tools: Ensure that your PHP code is clean and easily maintainable by using NetBeans’ different refactoring tools to extract methods, rename variables, and more. 
• Community Support: Since NetBeans is an open-source IDE, it has garnered support from a huge community that strives continuously for its advancement. They offer support and contributions through forums and documentation. 
• Debugging: NetBeans comes with built-in debugging tools that PHP developers can use to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect different variables during runtime. 

2.7 AWS Cloud 9

AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based IDE that supports various programming languages, including PHP, Python, JavaScript, and others. There is no need for any local installation to use this cloud IDE. You can easily access it with a device with a good internet connection. This also helps foster team collaboration on a project with real-time sharing. 

Cloud9 delivers an enhanced coding experience through a variety of tools, including live preview, code formatting, syntax highlighting, and code completion. This versatile IDe supports a wide range of frameworks and programming languages. 

Working with this serverless app development tool is easy because of its exceptional user interface. It comes with predefined workspaces and allows your team to collaborate on code, continuously monitor the data, and share progress. 

AWS Cloud9 Features: 

• Containerized Coding: Cloud9 allows you to create and run PHP code in a live Docker container. This helps improve both flexibility and efficiency. 
• Online Code Repositories: Streamline version control and collaboration by using online code repositories from Cloud9. 
• Real-time Collaboration: Working on the cloud allows team members to collaborate in real-time to deliver clean and efficient code.  
• Database and Website Interactions: When using Cloud9, you can easily interact with various websites and databases. 
• Integration with AWS Services: Since it’s a product of AWS, you can easily integrate Cloud9 with any of the AWS products to extend its functionality.

2.8 PHPUnit

PHPUnit is a popular choice for web developers when it comes to unit testing. Built upon JUnit, this testing framework allows you to write simple but effective unit tests for PHP web applications. 

Developers can break their code into small units and then test them individually for different test cases using PHPUnit. It helps ensure the quality and functionality of every section of your code. All major PHP web development frameworks, including Symfony and CakePHP, support this PHP tool. 

Though it is one of the most popular PHP tools, PHPUnit is not opinionated about writing and running unit tests. Developers have the flexibility to work according to their preferences. Moreover, it provides support for integrated and functional testing as well. Its functionality can be further increased with various plugins and extensions. 

PHPUnit Features: 

• Early Error Detection: This PHP development tool helps identify errors in the early stages of development, which is also helpful in reducing the overall project costs. 
• Code Refactoring: PHPUnit allows better code refactoring, which helps improve the quality of the code and overall app design. 
• Intuitive Syntax: PHPUnit has a detailed and intuitive syntax, which makes it easy to write unit tests. 
• Library of Assertions: You can test different aspects of PHP code using the comprehensive library of assertions from PHPUnit. 
• Command-line Interface: Test Execution is now easy and more effective with the robust command-line interface from this development tool.

3. Criteria For Selecting PHP Development Tools

To achieve efficient outcomes in PHP development, it’s essential to use the right PHP tools. An IDE helps you write, edit, organize, and debug the code. So, it is safe to say that it’s a critical aspect of your project. The kind of tool you pick can determine which way your project will go. The code quality can be identified by the PHP development tool used to create it. 

Even after looking at so many options, the decision to pick the right fit depends on your requirements. However, it’s crucial to consider certain factors that make a PHP development tool useful in its truest sense.

3.1 Integration and Compatibility

Before shopping for any PHP development tool, make sure that it would go well with your development environment or setup, including the operating systems, version control systems, databases, frameworks, and programming languages. 

In addition to ensuring compatibility with your existing system, you need to check whether it offers seamless integration with other tools. In case of specific or changing project requirements, you need to integrate your development tool with other tools to make up for the feathers and functionalities lacking in it. 

If it has poor integration capabilities, then it would reflect badly on your project. However, if it offers smooth integration, then the opportunities are limitless.

3.2 Features

To ensure that the selected PHP development tool meets the needs of your web app development project. Identify your requirements and scope of work. That would help determine what kind of features you would need in your PHP code editor. Code completion, profiling, syntax highlighting, debugging, code refactoring, and code navigation are some of the common features found in such tools.

3.3 Community and Support

See if the PHP development tool has enough resources like detailed documentation, online forums, tutorials, and more. Moreover, if your tool has an active community, then it can guide and provide support if you face any challenges during development. 

Support is essential for every single task of the PHP project, from updating existing functionalities to improving software performance. Without sufficient support provided by the tool or its community. It will be difficult for your website or application to keep up with the changing trends and business requirements.

3.4 Costs

When evaluating PHP development tools, consider the cost of the tool, such as its purchasing price and licensing costs. Though there are many open-source options available, some PHP tools provide advanced features at a premium price. It’s important to estimate the total cost of using tools over the long term or throughout the project’s lifecycle. This will have a positive effect on the overall development budget. So it’s a factor worth considering before picking a PHP development tool.

4. Conclusion

PHP is a popular and preferred programming language when it comes to web development. So, it becomes necessary to use the right tools if you want to churn out effective web solutions. But confusion creeps in the moment you take a look at the plethora of options available in the market. That is why you need to have a clear understanding of your project requirements and specification criteria, telling what you are looking for in PHP tools.