Zend framework is an open source object oriented PHP based web application framework which enjoys great popularity for its flexible use-at-will architecture. Zend framework is implemented in only PHP 5 and is used worldwide by great majority of web developers. The framework requires a PHP interpreter along with the server side configuration for making it work correctly. Some of its features require some web server extensions, though in most cases the framework works nicely without these server side extensions. The framework recommends most advanced release of PHP rather than earlier PHP 5 (PHP 5.2.11 or later) versions for better performance and security issues. The framework beside other elements of flexibility is noted particularly for an extensive collection of unit tests helping web developer to achieve perfection and performance.
Why Use Zend Framework
Zend framework is extensively used by web developers around the globe because of its flexibility. Here are some of the common reasons that inspire web developers to use Zend framework.
- Utilizing a lot of object oriented concepts like inheritance and interface Zend framework offers flexibility to customize it and thus create new functionalities.
- Making everything as object it makes the reuse of codes lot easier and wide.
- The decoupled nature of the framework makes it easy to apply it in your existing applications.
- A great collection of unit tests helps you to boost performance.
- With a lot of components it offers a lot of functionalities and there are always some demos to guide you as how to use those
components. - More adventurous and creatively flexible without any model implementation.
- Great ease and simplicity in integrating other libraries giving it unmatched flexibility.
- It is very easy to adapt other frameworks as per your need.
- Array of cryptographic and other secure coding tools.
- Extensive contributor guidelines by the users are always there to help you at every point.
- A great backing from an extensive developer community helps you to manage the steep learning curve.
- A proven track record of running high performance and critical business applications on the web.
In spite of the fact that Zend framework offers a steep learning curve being rather a bit complicated framework compared to other PHP frameworks, for the developers who acquired proficiency it is greatly rewarding as well. The framework offering most customizable, flexible and creative elements is preferred widely across the globe for complex web application development projects.
