Both Laravel and CodeIgniter are PHP frameworks that allow users to create web applications with minimal complications. Laravel vs. CodeIgniter is a widely debated topic in the world of web applications and development. Businesses such as Charter Spectrum that prefer robust application development are seen to use Laravel.

While they both are designed to provide customized solutions, Laravel is different from CodeIgniter in a number of ways. This blog will examine their core functions, features, as well as key differences. Before we begin, let’s talk about the PHP framework and its importance when it comes to building web applications.

Developers utilize the PHP framework to develop PHP web applications. It features coding libraries and allows developers to follow small and robust coding patterns for developing web applications. PHP frameworks are designed to speed up custom web application development in addition to protecting websites from cyber-attacks.

What is Laravel?

Laravel is an open-source PHP framework designed to assist in rapid application development. It comprises the model-view-controller architecture. The architecture itself is based on Symfony. The source of Laravel is hosted on GitHub. It is used under the MIT License. Laravel is widely used due to the accurate and expressive language rules it follows.

What is CodeIgniter?

CodeIgniter was designed to assist web developers looking to create full-featured and dynamic web applications. It is a simple yet elegant toolkit, giving users complete freedom over web development since the framework itself is not restricted by the workings of the MVC architecture. Another perk of CodeIgniter is that it allows third-party plugin installations. These plugins are useful when it comes to implementing complex functionalities. Moreover, CodeIgniter comes equipped with exceptional encryption and security features. These advanced encryption tools seek to protect against attacks from cyber criminals, which is a major concern in the world of information security.

What Are the Features of Laravel?

Laravel is a tested PHP framework with a great track record. It offers a wide range of exceptional features such as:

• Version control system
• Superb quality session control
• Composer dependency manager
• Blade template engine
• Auto-loading feature
• IoC container
• Built-in authentication tool
• Modular packaging
• Supports multiple DBMS platforms
• Command Line Interface

What Are the Features of CodeIgniter?

CodeIgniter is seen to gain a huge fan following primarily due to its unique authentication features. It also provides immediate answers, courtesy of a very active CodeIgniter community. Other features include:

• Simple routing method
• Faster loading time
• Error logging
• Session management
• Encrypted data
• Supports data paging
• XSS filtering
• Higher security levels
• File uploading class
• Search engine friendly URLs

What are the major differences between Laravel and CodeIgniter?

Laravel

• Difficult to learn for beginners due to the availability of technical functionalities
• Has an inbuilt unit testing tool
• Is relational object oriented
• Has authentication class features
• Is component oriented
• Facilitate HTTP customization
• Blade template engine

CodeIgniter

• Easy to learn for beginners
• Doesn’t have an inbuilt unit testing tool
• Is object oriented
• Doesn’t have authentication class features
• Is event-driven
• Doesn’t full facilitate HTT customization
• PHP proprietary

Which Framework Would Work Best for You?

Both Laravel and CodeIgniter are exceptional PHP frameworks. They come equipped with a set of features, each designed to assist web developers. It all depends on the requirements of your business.  Make sure that you identify the requirements of your project prior to selecting the PHP software.

Laravel allows web developers to utilize object-relational mapping (ORM). CodeIgniter, however, does not. It focuses on modular extensions as compared to Laravel’s inbuilt modularity characteristics. Based on the discussion, it is safe to assume that Laravel enjoys a little edge over CodeIgniter due to its more advanced features.

Important Tip

Use PHP version 7 or higher for best speed. These versions are seen to increase speed by up to 50%. Any version below 7 can impact speed, something which is a big NO in the world of web design and development.