Framework review: Laravel vs CodeIgniter

Laravel and CodeIgniter are two of the most widely used PHP frameworks for web development. These frameworks have been designed to provide developers with a set of tools to help them create dynamic and interactive websites more efficiently. Both Laravel and CodeIgniter offer a number of features that make them popular among developers. However, there are some key differences between the two frameworks that make them suitable for different types of projects and development environments.

CodeIgniter PHP framework review

Let's start with CodeIgniter first. It focuses on performance and speed. It offers a simple, easy-to-learn syntax, making it ideal for beginners. CodeIgniter uses its own proprietary Active Record implementation for database operations, which provides a simple and intuitive way to interact with data. Unlike Laravel, CodeIgniter does not enforce a specific architectural pattern, providing more freedom to developers. This allows developers to choose the architecture that best suits their project requirements. CodeIgniter also has a smaller footprint and requires less server resources compared to Laravel, making it a great choice for smaller projects or those with limited resources. Here, at InfinyHost, we have a number of CodeIgniter-based websites hosted on both the InfinyBase hosting package and the InfinyPro hosting package. 

TLDR for CodeIgniter:

• Focuses on performance and speed
• Offers a simple, easy-to-learn syntax, making it ideal for beginners
• Uses its own proprietary Active Record implementation for database operations
• Does not enforce a specific architectural pattern, providing more freedom to developers
• Has a smaller footprint and requires less server resources compared to Laravel
• Has a shallower learning curve compared to Laravel

Laravel PHP framework review

Laravel is known for its elegant syntax and simplicity. Once you get used to it, it is very hard to go back to any other PHP Framework.  It offers a built-in templating engine and provides developers with a range of tools for common tasks such as routing, authentication, and authorization. Laravel also uses Eloquent ORM for database operations and migrations, making it easier for developers to manage and interact with their data. In addition, Laravel supports MVC architecture and provides a robust task-scheduling system, allowing developers to schedule and automate certain tasks, such as sending an email, push notifications, cron-like jobs, and so on. It also has a large ecosystem of packages and plugins through Composer, making it easy for developers to add new features to their projects. However, Laravel has a steeper learning curve compared to CodeIgniter, making it more suitable for experienced developers. Hosting-wise, all our plans are specifically optimized for Laravel hosting. It can be installed easily through our 1-click software installer or manually on the command line using the pre-installed composer binary. Furthermore, we have the latest PHP versions at all times available for you, a Redis service for your Laravel queues, and even NodeJS and npm for your frontend assets.

TLDR for Laravel:

• Emphasizes elegant syntax and simplicity
• Offers a built-in templating engine and tools for common tasks such as routing, authentication, and authorization
• Uses Eloquent ORM for database operations and migrations
• Supports MVC architecture and provides a robust task-scheduling system
• Offers a large ecosystem of packages and plugins through Composer
• Has a steeper learning curve compared to CodeIgniter

In conclusion, both Laravel and CodeIgniter have their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and specific project requirements. Developers who are just starting out may find CodeIgniter easier to use, while more experienced developers may prefer Laravel for its larger ecosystem of packages and plugins. Ultimately, both frameworks provide developers with a range of tools and features to help them create dynamic and interactive websites more efficiently.