Hire Dedicated PHP Developer – Process, Cost & Benefits

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is known for dividing people about its utility. However, as time has progressed, it has become one of the most popular server-side languages in practice.

Many consider it to be a language that has been outclassed by Javascript and Python, but PHP still holds onto its growing popularity. It gives non-tech businesses solutions while being a reliable partner for tech services.

PHP was initially considered an offshoot of language C; however, it remains one of the first languages to focus on web development. This claim is supported by the fact that WordPress, one of the biggest web hosting and development engines, runs on PHP. There are over a billion websites on the internet, and the number continues to grow daily. One would be surprised to know that over 30% of the said websites are hosted by WordPress, which is run on PHP. It is an educated estimate to say that PHP is omnipresent and can be found everywhere if one looks for it. This makes it important for any business to leverage the capabilities of PHP to make the most of what technology has to offer.

This article will trace the evolution of PHP while also discussing the cost, benefits, roles and responsibilities of a PHP developer. This is a complete guide to your understanding of this web development language and what to consider if you hire PHP Developers.

What is a PHP Developer?

PHP developers are essentially software developers who are skilled in the use of PHP and other technologies utilised in building it. They are responsible for the development of dependable tech solutions along with end-to-end tech management.

Due to the nature of their role, they are also considered to be backend developers, familiar with key backend technologies that ensure smooth tech integration. They often use Linux, Apache, and MySQL—core components of the LAMP stack. Since PHP handles business logic, many PHP developers have expanded their skills into other languages, such as JavaScript.

Why Should You Choose PHP?

PHP is a popular choice for web development, known for its accessibility and practicality, especially for delivering business solutions that don’t require deep technical expertise. It’s easy and inexpensive to set up, which simplifies the deployment of server-side applications.

One of PHP’s strengths is its ease of use, making it relatively simple to find skilled developers compared to more specialised programming languages. Over the years, PHP has been consistently maintained and updated, ensuring it remains functional and relevant. The introduction of object-oriented programming has kept PHP competitive with languages like JavaScript.

PHP is designed to work seamlessly with commonly used database languages like MySQL, ensuring smooth web development regardless of the data volume involved. It’s specifically built to handle large amounts of data on the server side, making it a strong fit for the web development landscape.

As one of the older programming languages, PHP benefits from a vast community of developers and extensive documentation. This rich ecosystem includes numerous guides and forums, providing the support and tools needed to maximise PHP’s potential and contribute to business growth through technology.

Additionally, PHP boasts a comprehensive framework of established functions, which can be relied upon to build a wide range of server-side modules and applications. This makes it a versatile and dependable option for web developers.

Benefits of Using PHP

Many benefits come with PHP, which is why it still remains one of the most trusted languages by several firms. Let’s discuss some of them briefly:

• Open-Source: PHP is an open-source programming language, making it freely accessible to developers. This cost-effective approach makes PHP an attractive option for development services, especially for businesses looking to optimise their budgets. Additionally, PHP frameworks are also free, enabling faster and easier web application development, which further solidifies its reputation as a reliable technology partner.
• Platform Independent: PHP is platform-independent, meaning it operates seamlessly across all operating systems. This flexibility ensures smooth integration of technology without the need for specialised software to render web applications on a browser. Its widespread compatibility is a key reason why many web applications still rely on PHP as their backend technology.
• Easy to Learn: Designed with simplicity in mind, PHP is easy to learn and maintain. Developers with experience in other programming languages will find PHP intuitive and straightforward. Its ease of use facilitates quick onboarding for new developers, helping expand the talent pool and contributing to business growth through technology.
• Database Integration: PHP excels in backend development, particularly in connecting to databases. Its built-in capabilities allow for efficient and scalable data management, making it a vital component of the popular LAMP stack. This seamless database connectivity enables PHP to deliver trustworthy tech solutions, making it a preferred choice for many web applications.
• Performance: PHP is known for its efficiency in handling databases, making it an optimal choice for building high-performance web applications. Even when accessed by users with below-average internet connections, PHP ensures fast loading times, contributing to cost-effective development services.
• Maintenance: PHP utilizes the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture, which helps keep the codebase clean and easy to maintain. This structured approach ensures that the code remains scalable and manageable, further supporting business growth through technology.
• Security: PHP comes with built-in features and tools designed to protect web applications from various security threats, including SQL injection, data tampering, and forgery. These security measures make PHP a reliable option for developing secure web applications.
• Stability: As a well-established programming language, PHP is extremely stable compared to many modern alternatives. Its long-standing presence in the industry provides a level of reliability that newer languages may not yet offer.
• Community: PHP benefits from a vibrant and active community. With extensive resources available on platforms like Stack Overflow, developers can easily find answers to their questions and implement solutions into their code. This strong community support is one of the many reasons PHP remains a popular web development choice.

Responsibilities of a PHP Developer

A PHP Developer is responsible for creating, testing, and deploying innovative website applications with high professionalism. This role involves working with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to ensure seamless integration and functionality. Developers are expected to implement efficient coding practices that enhance performance and keep development costs in check.

Part of the job includes testing websites across various devices and browsers to guarantee a consistent user experience. Developers should also explore and consider different architectural options to find the best fit for each project. Collaboration is key, as team members need to communicate effectively to resolve conflicts, set priorities, and choose the most effective solutions.

PHP Developers also need to develop strategies to keep websites updated and ensure that the technology remains scalable and current. They should continuously recommend improvements for performance and refactor existing codebases to enhance the overall architecture.

In addition to coding, developers are required to provide detailed technical specifications outlining product features, budgets, programming languages, communication protocols, functionalities, structure, and deadlines. Staying updated on the latest programming practices and web technologies is essential for delivering solutions that impress.

What is the Cost of a PHP Developer?

The cost of PHP development can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the expertise of the developer, their location, and the specific features required. PHP developers typically charge on an hourly basis, with rates ranging from $15 to $40 per hour. The average rate hovers around $25 per hour. For example, in India, intermediate PHP developers may charge between $15 and $25 per hour, while more experienced experts often command rates of $30 to $40 or higher per hour.

For larger projects, such as specialized web portals, costs can differ widely. Developing a PHP-based website could range from $100,000 to $150,000, depending on the project’s scope. More extensive PHP programming work might cost anywhere from $25,000 to $105,000.

The final cost of your PHP development project depends on several key factors, including the complexity of the project, the required features, the location of the development team, and the experience level of the developers involved. To get an accurate estimate, it’s crucial to obtain detailed quotes from development companies based on your specific project requirements.

What Should be the Skillset of a PHP Developer

When hiring a PHP developer, it’s essential to look for a set of core competencies and technical skills to ensure they can meet the demands of your project. At a high level, a qualified PHP developer should be able to:

• Work with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS: These are foundational technologies for web development, and proficiency in them is crucial for creating dynamic and responsive web applications.
• Be proficient in PHP 7.x: A strong understanding of PHP 7.x is necessary, as it includes important improvements and features that enhance performance and security.
• Make use of Ajax, jQuery, and MySQL: These technologies are essential for creating interactive and data-driven web applications. The developer should be comfortable using them to ensure smooth user experiences and efficient data management.
• Work with APIs, Unix/Linux, and MVC Framework Architecture: The ability to work with APIs is crucial for integrating different systems and services. Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments and MVC (Model-View-Controller) framework architecture is also important for developing scalable and maintainable applications.
• Work with PHP Frameworks: Experience with popular PHP frameworks is a strong indicator of a developer’s ability to build robust and efficient applications. Look for expertise in frameworks such as:
  • CakePHP
  • PHPUnit
  • Slim Framework
  • Laravel Framework

These skills and tools are vital for any PHP developer, ensuring they can handle a wide range of tasks, from front-end development to back-end integration, and deliver high-quality, scalable web applications.

Things to Consider When Hiring a PHP Developer

When hiring PHP developers, it’s important to recognise that while they might not be as prevalent as JavaScript developers, they remain crucial for maintaining and building systems that rely on PHP. Although PHP’s popularity has waned compared to newer programming languages, it’s still widely used in many systems and applications.

Here are key considerations for hiring PHP developers:

1. Evaluate Expertise in PHP Frameworks: Look for developers with strong experience in popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, CakePHP, or Slim. Expertise in these frameworks can indicate a developer’s ability to handle complex projects and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
2. Assess Compatibility with Existing Technologies: If you’re integrating PHP with other technologies, ensure the developer is proficient in using PHP alongside these technologies. This includes a solid understanding of how PHP works with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and MySQL, as well as experience with APIs and MVC architecture.
3. Consider Experience Level: While PHP developers may be less common than they once were, experienced professionals are still active in the field. Their ongoing work with PHP suggests they have the skills necessary to deliver effective solutions.
4. Review Project Requirements: Determine if you need a backend developer who can work with PHP to build new systems or maintain existing ones. This clarity will help you find candidates who are best suited to meet your specific needs.

How Has PHP Evolved?

Recent advancements in PHP are making a strong impact on web development. Modern PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and Yii 2 are becoming increasingly popular. They streamline development, promote best practices, and enhance security.

PHP is also gaining traction in chatbot development. More businesses are using PHP to build intelligent chatbots that boost user engagement and improve customer service.

Performance improvements in PHP have led to faster web applications, offering better user experiences. As an open-source language, PHP continues to thrive, driven by a vibrant community and collaborative innovation.

PHP’s regular updates keep it adaptable to new development needs, ensuring its ongoing relevance. The evolution of PHP, particularly with the PHP 8.x series, showcases its growth. Each new version introduces valuable features and improvements.

The robust PHP ecosystem offers a wide array of libraries, tools, and packages to meet diverse development needs.

The History of PHP

PHP’s journey began in 1994 when Rasmus Lerdorf created “PHP/FI” (Personal Home Page/Forms Interpreter) as a simple tool to track visitors to his online CV. This tool quickly evolved into the PHP programming language we know today.

In 1995, PHP/FI 2 was released, adding more features and gaining popularity. With this update, the language was renamed “Hypertext Preprocessor” (PHP), marking its transition into a more powerful tool for web development.

By 1998, PHP 3 was launched, transforming PHP into a widely accepted server-side scripting language with strong database integration. This version significantly expanded PHP’s capabilities and user base.

PHP 4 arrived in 2000, introducing enhanced object-oriented programming features and better efficiency, further solidifying PHP’s role in web development.

In 2004, PHP 5 made a major impact with the introduction of Zend Engine 2, which drastically improved PHP’s speed. This version also brought key upgrades in object-oriented programming and provided a more consistent API.

PHP 7, released in 2015, marked a significant milestone. Its major performance boosts and improved memory efficiency made it a game-changer for developers.

Finally, PHP 8, launched in 2020, introduced features like JIT compilation, union types, and attributes, further enhancing the language’s speed and developer productivity.

In Conclusion

PHP offers substantial benefits for business growth and seamless technology integration. Adopting PHP could be a strategic move if you’re seeking a dependable tech partner for your web development projects.

At AKAL, we specialise in leveraging PHP’s server-side capabilities to power your website’s backend and maintain existing web services to keep them current. Our team of seasoned developers is ready to meet your PHP needs with expertise and professionalism.

Whether you’re looking to develop new projects or enhance and maintain existing systems, our experienced developers are equipped to provide reliable tech solutions and comprehensive tech management. Contact us today to see how we can support your tech requirements.

FAQs about PHP Developer