Outsource PHP Development - The Most Popular Trend to Develop Website

As a powerful server-side scripting language, PHP is used widely for developing modern websites with a lot of content and visitors. It further supports with major operating systems, web servers and databases. The free and open source nature of PHP, at the same time, makes it easier for the small and local businesses to go online. However, a gradual increase is being noted in the number of businesses outsourcing their PHP development projects. There are also a number of reasons why outsourcing PHP website development has emerged as a popular trend.

Best practices in PHPStorm

PHP is only language that had shown courage to fight against industry leading IT giants i.e., java and dot net before a decade. Nobody had expected such a tremendous popularity of PHP that too in an exponential rate in the industry during its inception. PHP made it possible with its outstanding features and continuous corrective measures throughout its life. Hence it has achieved such respectable place in the industry and it is providing supports for different software farms in the form of their frameworks, plugins and IDEs etc. PHPStorm is one such IDE which is dedicated for PHP developer’s community. PHPStorm is not just an IDE rather it is a compressive package for a PHP web developer. It has many awesome features that enable a web developer to develop attractive and futuristic web solutions for the industry. Today we will discuss few must know concepts of PHPStorm to take the maximum advantage of this intelligent IDE.

Few ways to avail PHP development benefits

Why PHP: PHP is a new generation web domain specific language that has received a tremendous overnight popularity within a very less span of time. In recent trend all types of activities are getting transformed into web form due to extensive use of web applications in our day-to-day life. If we say we are getting addicted to the cyber industry, then it will not be an over statement. All most all industries are depending upon the web industry in different prospective. As a result there is a tremendous demand of web developers and web technologies like PHP. Again PHP qualifies some added advantages over other languages for which it has received such a tremendous popularity in the industry.

Best practices in PHP for 2015

PHP- No more introductions needed: PHP is the only language which had showed courage to fight against JSP and ASP when they were at the peak stage and hence it is always admired by the experts. The best this about PHP is it is not just about courage rather the ability to sustain in the industry for more than a decade. Though it has seen many ups and downs in its success path but at the end of the day, PHP is a winner. The industry demands more and more PHP developers. PHP is becoming more frugal over time with its advanced features with every update and upgrade. This post is dedicated to the PHP developers who are developing future web applications for the industry. We will discuss about few best practises and common mistakes done by PHP developers.

PHP development outsourcing to India - Few Reasons

PHP A perfect web technology: Website development is becoming a passion for everyone. The numbers of websites being developed in different languages are getting increased in an exponential rate. Among those, PHP is at the top of the list. This is because of its open source nature and easy to learn approach. Unlike languages like JSP and ASP, PHP doesn’t have frontend and backend separate pages for a web application. This makes it more popular among the web developers in the industry. You can develop any type of web application using PHP in less time than in any other language. Hence clients are demanding to develop their web application in PHP; because they want their web application to be developed quickly and at an affordable cost. To make the things even better you can also opt for outsourcing your PHP web development process to the world’s best destination i.e., India in order to gain some added advantages for your project.

Developing the next gen e-Commerce website with PHP - Is it viable?

Born of PHP: In the early 21st century, world saw a tremendous demand for website development instead of desktop applications. We find all businesses are getting headed towards the web based solutions for their services or products. Moreover, users showed an overwhelming response for these web solutions in 21st century. The experts in the industry clearly predicted that the next big thing in the IT industry will be web application development. Understanding the situation, many web domain specific languages get born and PHP is one such piece. PHP is a pure web application development language for modern era and it does its work perfectly fine.

PHP key features that makes web app development smoother, faster & easier

PHP means PHP Hypertext Preprocessor and is HTML's embedded scripting language like JSP or ASP, combining elements of Java, Perl and C. Many programmers and companies use this language as daily coding ritual; the code snippets as well as the open source frameworks help the developers. However, understanding the base PHP classes, functions and methods is a huge advantage. Here's taking a close look at some of the key features of the language which will make web application development easier, smoother as well as faster.

json_decode and json_encode- PHP has two extreme functions by using JSON or JavaScript Object Notation strings which is a standard that is text based and normally functions for sending and receiving of data with simple, easily legible structure. There are two functions which can help you manipulate the data from and to JSON. When utilizing json_encode the first argument is set as the data and then this converted data string will be returned by PHP, then used for output on API or even included in HTML template so that the JavaScript code can read it. json_decode is its opposite.

PDO Class- PHP Data Object or PDO is exclusively used for connection with MySQL databases by providing a good layer of abstraction around database driver sets. This essentially means that no matter what database is being used, with PDO support the same functions can be used for the performing of the same database actions. The code becomes more portable for using the web application on a variety of databases without any additional development time. Several standardized functions are provided by PDO Class like creation prepared statements, creating transactions and allowing escape variables if the need so arises.

Glob () for file-finding- Glob() may be referred to as scandir() function's more capable version. This allows you to search files with the use of patterns. Multiple types of files can be fetched by using this as well. In fact the files can be actually returned with path according to the query generated. For full path of each, the realpath() function can be called on returned values.

Generating unique IDs- Sometimes there arise certain situations which might warrant the generation of unique strings. To achieve that people often use the function md5() which is not really meant for that. Instead of that a PHP function called uniqid() may be used for that. Several characters at first may seem to be similar despite the strings being unique; this is attributed to the relation with server time and generated string. A good side effect to this is that each newly generated id comes in alphabetical order which aids in the sorting. Chances of duplicacy can be reduced by passing second parameter or prefix so that entropy can be increased. Nevertheless the strings generated by the function will be much shorter than md5(), saving a lot of space for you.

Unit testing- Automated code testing within the app is enabled through this. For all major projects some unit testing may be added. All reviewed PHP frameworks either use PHPUnit that is like the de facto testing suite for PHP or have their very own methods for unit testing.

Templating- This is the way codes can be organized within views. It attempts to find out the best way for code organization within the view. Before MVC frameworks a good solution was Smarty Template.

The features given are just the tip of the iceberg. PHP results in endless possibilities which may be best harnessed only if the features can be grasped fully. The learning curve may be steep and long but truly worthwhile. PHP can form a good foundation for ecommerce systems, bespoke platforms, content management systems, etc. Being armed with PHP and its features, will help you tackle the new challenges that the web development world brings to you everyday.

You can hire programmers from top php web development company India who can help you build products within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php application development services. Please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions if you would like to hire php developer India.

PhpStorm2.0: Take PHP by Storm!

PHP programming has seen a radical change with the development of a brand new version of PHP IDE called PhpStorm 2.0. This new version is code-centric as well as equipped with much superior quality of codes. Besides, it also guarantees improved aid for the very latest trends of PHP programming. This new avatar is designed to offer the users the options of using improved tools like automatic refactoring, comprehensive analysis of deep code, on-the-fly checking of errors along with various quick fixes.

As per the experts associated with the development, some extra namespaces as well as closures support were incorporated into the structure and these were used in the development of modern PHP. This, amongst other things have helped to improve the code-analysis capabilities. They are also of the opinion that with the development of this version, debugging becomes easier and needs no more configuration whatsoever.

What is new in PhpStorm 2.0?

• A holistic PHP 5.5 support that includes closures as well as namespaces.
• Support for Zend Debugger as well as ability to debug with zero-configuration in any browser
• Command line tool assistance that includes completion for Symphony and Zend Tool.
• Full-fledged SQL query editors that come up with editable results of queries
• More Mercurial support
• Support for EcmaScript 5 and HTML5

This variant is actually a lightweight version of smart PHP IDE that is designed to put maximum emphasis on the productivity that has intense understanding of the codes. Besides, it also offers completion of smart coding along with quick navigation along with on-the-fly rectification of errors. It comes up with all the components as well as the functionalities of WebStorm like JavaScript and HTML/CSS Editor. It also provides a comprehensive support for PHP.

Let us now discuss in details, some of the salient features that make this version so exceptional.

Automatic completion of Codes

This particular feature was for long expected. The dropdown for code completion is automatically triggered off once you type in. Code culmination has seen a facelift that assures compatibility across various array indexes.

Zend Debugger, Xdebug
The latest version comes up with compatibility for Zend Debugger, Xdebugger, along with Browser Toolbar. The IDE is designed to automatically respond to the debugger connection. It also requests mapping of missing files as and when needed, so that the debugger shows the source of the page, with just a single click of the mouse. It is also compatible with all the AJAX requests, as a cookie for the debugger is set.

Debugging Support initiated by the Browser
Zend Toolbar can be used along with Xdebug toolbar as well as browser bookmarklets, for initiating debugging straight away from a page on any modern browser like IE, Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

Support for Command Line Tool
Shell commands can quickly be run with exclusive support for the framework tools that include completion and parameter information for Zend_Tool as well as Symphony tool. You can also add all these features for various custom tools through XML descriptor.

Advanced Code Inspection
This new variant comes up with a number of never-before-tried code inspections:

• Control flow or Unapproachable statement
• Control flow or Wrong catch clauses order
• Probably bug or Wrong string concatenation operator

When this new version was introduced for the first time, it bridged up the long-standing gap by playing the role of a smart PHP development IDE. It is mainly designed to put increased focus on more intelligence, provide assurance of improved quality of code, superior assistance for the latest trends of this language, etc.

The key areas where this new version is different are:

• A holistic PHP 5.3 support that includes namespaces as well as closures
• Zend Debugger support along with zero-configuration debugging in all the browsers
• Improved support for command line tools that include Zend_Tool and Symfony completion
• Dedicated editors of SQL queries with various editable query results
• Enhanced Mercurial support
• Added support for HTML5 as well as EcmaScript 5De

Experts are of the opinion that this version is not only to stay but probably redefine the very concept of PHP programming, making things much easier for the developers.

You can hire programmers from top php development company in India who can help you build products within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide php web development services. If you would like to discuss with a certified php developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Steps to Migrate PHP Intranet site into SharePoint 2013

Today, SharePoint has possibly emerged as one of the best tools in the world of technology. However, there has still been an increase in the number of poor as well as unusable Intranets of the application. Most often, enterprises looking forward to migrate a PHP intranet to SharePoint often face issues in the endeavor of executing a successful migration.

So, how to achieve a successful migration and develop a good Intranet? Well, here is a quick look at the three steps to a successful migration that is sure to set the right path:

Always work with SharePoint 2010

It is understandable that you want to migrate to the 2013 version of the application software; after all, being an advanced product it comes with the goodness of cloud. However, for a successful execution, you must take it easy. The 2010 version, which was released in May 2010, obtained a service pack in June 2011. The latest 2013 version, which has just released might not be able to offer a stable experience. On the other hand, the 2010 version has been tested to provide a valid experience. Truly, there exists some limitations, but not without exact workarounds along with solutions. When it comes to using 2013, it is always wiser to give it a year for better development as well as improvement.

Avoid customizing the look and feel
Well, it is quite known that every organizations wants it logo to appear at the top left corner of every page. Additionally, you also want all the links to appear in a similar manner as against the PHP intranet alongside the header featuring a navigation communicating something about your brand. You want it to look as well as feel good. However, it must be noted that such aspects rarely matters in the case. After all, it is being developed for employee use and they already know you alongside being familiar to your logo along with brand values.

The job of the intranet is much bigger than just reinforcing the brand. It plays a better role in storing the document templates and helps in smart presentation of data related to employee performance. Furthermore, it also stands as the major engine of workflow behind your organization processes. Now, the brand is definitely important and your Intranet must exude a look and feel representing the same. However, it is more important for the intranet to function right. The focus must always rest with making a functional as well as rich intranet alongside focusing on the branding of the same.

Never completely end the project
You must always remember that developing an Intranet is not just a matter of few days or months. Indeed, organizations need to work on the same continuously. Disbanding the project team will never help in determining the success of the project. Starting with the development of Intranet is just the beginning and there is a lot of work that the enterprise needs to do with time. From placing fresh content to training the users concerning the refreshing courses, the application needs to accelerate the growth of your business as well as adapt to the changing requirements of the same.

You can achieve all these functionality along with benefits through SharePoint. The application not only helps in creating the front-end of your Intranet, but the back-end as well. For better execution of the migration process, the focus must rest on creating an Intranet team for ensuring better functionality of the same. The application software comes with task lists, email alerts, calendars, and special project site templates. You have a knowledge of all these because you are constantly telling your end users about all the features. The key lies in starting to use all the features for a better experience.

Therefore, to execute a successful migration during SharePoint website development process, you must focus on the long-term end of the project and follow the above-mentioned stapes carefully for experiencing the best of SharePoint, 2013.

We provide custom SharePoint development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert SharePoint programmers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

The 5 Most Relevant PHP Frameworks in 2013

Most developers use PHP frameworks to build robust web applications without putting extra time and effort. Each framework also comes with a set of classes and functions to help programmers in writing code in a quicker and structured way. Also, the PHP frameworks make it easier to implement specific design patterns. For instance, a programmer can use the Model-View-Control (MVC) architecture to separate the database-talking-code from the code related to the look and feel of the application.

As a developer has option to choose from a variety of frameworks, he often chooses the one that complements the specific requirements of the project. It is also important for a programmer to evaluate the pros and cons of each framework to take the best decision. However, each web application developer can avail some additional advantages by switching to some of the most popular PHP frameworks. So programmers must keep track of the most relevant PHP frameworks.

5 Most Relevant PHP Frameworks in 2013

Symfony: As free software, Symfony is popular among web developers across the world to build and maintain robust internet applications at a rapid pace. The framework is further effective in replacing the repetitive coding tasks with speed, flexibility and reusable components. Along with supporting the MVC system, Symfony also comes with a set of PHP code classes. A programmer also has option to use specific software building blocks like forms management, translation management and dependency injector.

Yii: The component based PHP framework is designed with the features and tools required to build web 2.0 applications. The combination of powerful caching system and features to work seamlessly with AJAX enables developers to build the application at a rapid pace. At the same time, Yii also enable programmers to use the MVC pattern to separate presentation and business logic. The framework also makes it easier for programmers to optimize the security of the website by availing features like output filtering, input validation, SQL injection and option to prevent cross-site scripting.

CakePHP: As an open source web application development framework, CakePHP is designed based on some of the widely used software design patterns and software engineering concepts. The framework is further written in PHP, and supports MVC architecture. CakePHP further makes it easier for programmers to set up the database, and start developing the website without using any complex XML or YAML files. Also, a programmer can avoid writing longer lines of code by availing features like database access, caching, translation, authentication and validation.

Laravel: Laravel is hugely popular among PHP developers as a classy and clean framework that does not require spaghetti coding. In addition to supporting a variety of databases including SQL Server, MySQL, SQLite and Postgres, the framework also allows programmers to create templates using the Blade templating engine. As Laravel is developed based on key Symfony components, it provides a solid foundation to the website through code that is reliable and well-tested. It is also powered by a composer that allows seamless integration of third-party applications into a website.

Zend: PHP programmers across the world use Zend as a PHP-based and object oriented web application development framework. The framework also has many open source contributors who are passionate about making coding easier. The framework is popular due to its effectiveness in building high-traffic websites and business-critical web applications at a rapid pace. It also allows users to secure the application by using a set of cryptographic and secure coding tools. At the same time, the programmers have option to adapt Zend according to the specific needs of the project, along with integrating seamlessly with other applications and frameworks.

The PHP frameworks are further being upgraded at regular intervals. The latest version of the framework also comes with a set of innovative tools and features to complement the current trends in php application development. So businesses must monitor the fluctuations in the popularity of these frameworks among PHP developers, because of the updates happening in the frameworks and choose one for their needs after precise validation and matching against their needs.

We provide php web development services. If you would like to speak to a certified php developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.