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PHP Web Frameworks

Ranking updated Jul 13, 2026

For a modern web framework for PHP development, the strongest matches are cakephp/cakephp (CakePHP is a comprehensive, mature MVC framework that provides), yiisoft/yii (Yii is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides) and laravel/framework (Laravel is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides). yiisoft/yii2 and zendframework/zendframework round out the shortlist. Each is ranked by relevance to your query, popularity and recent activity.

We curate open-source GitHub repositories matching “best php web frameworks”. Results are ranked by relevance to your query — pick filters below to narrow, or refine with AI.

PHP Web Frameworks

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  • cakephp/cakephpcakephp avatar

    cakephp/cakephp

    8,797View on GitHub↗

    CakePHP is a PHP web framework designed for the rapid development of full-featured web applications. It utilizes a model-view-controller architecture to separate business logic, data models, and user interfaces. The framework includes a built-in object-relational mapper that allows for the retrieval and storage of relational data without writing raw SQL queries. It employs a convention-over-configuration approach to reduce boilerplate code by assuming standard naming schemes for files and database tables. The project provides tools for implementing web forms with integrated validation and pr

    CakePHP is a comprehensive, mature MVC framework that provides a built-in ORM, authentication, template rendering, and a robust CLI toolset, making it a flagship solution for building scalable PHP applications.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersModel-View-Controller FrameworksMVC Frameworks
    View on GitHub↗8,797
  • yiisoft/yiiyiisoft avatar

    yiisoft/yii

    4,825View on GitHub↗

    Yii is a full-stack PHP web framework and component-based system designed for building dynamic websites and RESTful services. It operates as an MVC application framework that separates business logic from the user interface and includes a built-in object-relational mapper for interacting with databases. The project provides a comprehensive command line toolset for project bootstrapping, automated code generation, and the execution of background tasks. It utilizes a component-based architecture and a service locator to manage dependency injection and object lifecycles. The framework covers a

    Yii is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides an MVC architecture, built-in ORM, authentication support, and a robust CLI toolset, making it a flagship solution for building scalable web applications.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersMVC ImplementationsObject-Relational Mapping
    View on GitHub↗4,825
  • laravel/frameworklaravel avatar

    laravel/framework

    34,774View on GitHub↗

    This project is a full-stack web framework that provides a comprehensive environment for building server-side applications. It utilizes a model-view-controller architecture to separate application logic into distinct layers for data management, user interface presentation, and request handling. The platform manages the entire request-response lifecycle, including security, session handling, and background task processing, while using an object-relational mapping layer to translate database records into programmable objects. The framework distinguishes itself through a central service containe

    Laravel is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides all the requested features, including a robust MVC architecture, a powerful ORM, built-in authentication, and an extensive CLI toolset for scalable application development.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersModel-View-Controller FrameworksTemplate Engines
    View on GitHub↗34,774
  • yiisoft/yii2yiisoft avatar

    yiisoft/yii2

    14,298View on GitHub↗

    Yii2 is a professional PHP web framework designed for developing high-performance, scalable enterprise web applications. It utilizes a Model-View-Controller architecture to separate data logic, user interfaces, and request handling, ensuring maintainability for large-scale projects. The framework includes a built-in PHP code generator that automates the creation of boilerplate controllers and models by scanning database schemas. It provides an Active Record object-relational mapping system where classes represent tables and instances represent rows to manage data persistence. Additional capa

    Yii2 is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade PHP framework that natively provides the MVC architecture, ORM, authentication, and CLI tooling required for building scalable web applications.

    PHPMVC FrameworksActive-Record ORMsService Locators
    View on GitHub↗14,298
  • zendframework/zendframeworkzendframework avatar

    zendframework/zendframework

    5,441View on GitHub↗

    Zend Framework is a comprehensive set of decoupled components for building modular, event-driven web applications. It implements an MVC architecture to separate business logic from the user interface and provides a structured request-handling system through a sequential middleware pipeline. The project features a factory-driven dependency injection container to automate object instantiation and manage class lifecycles. It also includes a comprehensive security suite for verifying user identities and restricting resource access using access control lists and role-based access control adapters.

    Zend Framework is a robust, enterprise-grade PHP framework that provides the full suite of MVC architecture, dependency management, and security tools required for building scalable web applications.

    Dependency InjectionDependency Injection ContainersMVC Implementations
    View on GitHub↗5,441
  • top-think/thinktop-think avatar

    top-think/think

    7,888View on GitHub↗

    Think is a PHP web framework and object-relational mapper designed for building web applications. It functions as a structured foundation for application development, incorporating a dependency injection container to manage object lifecycles and reduce coupling between components. The project includes a remote application debugger that allows for the inspection of internal state and variables from an external environment. It implements a model-view-controller architecture to separate application logic and data from the user interface. This includes a request pipeline for routing and middlewa

    Think is a structured PHP framework that provides the core MVC architecture, ORM, and dependency management required for building scalable web applications.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersMVC FrameworksMVC Pattern Implementations
    View on GitHub↗7,888
  • bcit-ci/codeigniterbcit-ci avatar

    bcit-ci/CodeIgniter

    18,171View on GitHub↗

    CodeIgniter is an open-source PHP web framework and application toolkit designed for server-side development. It implements a model-view-controller architecture to separate internal data representations from the user interface. The framework utilizes a front-controller architecture to direct all incoming web requests through a single entry point for URI parsing and request dispatching. It includes a dependency injection container to resolve class dependencies and manage the lifecycle of core system components. The toolkit provides capabilities for routing management, database interactions, a

    CodeIgniter is a well-established PHP framework that provides the core MVC architecture, routing, and database tools required for building scalable server-side applications.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersMVC FrameworksMVC Implementations
    View on GitHub↗18,171
  • laravel/laravellaravel avatar

    laravel/laravel

    84,489View on GitHub↗

    Laravel is a comprehensive full-stack web framework designed for building scalable server-side applications. It provides an integrated development environment that centers on an object-relational mapper for database abstraction, a robust routing system, and a sophisticated service container for dependency injection. The framework is built to handle complex application requirements through a modular architecture that emphasizes convention over configuration. What distinguishes Laravel is its deep integration of background processing and event-driven communication. It features a task queue orch

    Laravel is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides all the requested features, including a robust MVC architecture, built-in ORM, authentication, and a powerful CLI toolset for building scalable applications.

    BladeService ContainersActive-Record ORMs
    View on GitHub↗84,489
  • symfony/symfonysymfony avatar

    symfony/symfony

    31,073View on GitHub↗

    Symfony is a full-stack web framework designed for building scalable and maintainable server-side applications. It provides a comprehensive collection of decoupled components that form a foundational architecture, centered on a robust dependency injection container and a configuration-driven routing engine. By organizing code into modular services, the framework ensures that application components remain testable and loosely coupled throughout the development lifecycle. The framework distinguishes itself through an event-driven kernel architecture that allows developers to intercept and modif

    Symfony is a comprehensive, full-stack PHP framework that provides all the requested features, including a robust MVC-ready architecture, built-in ORM support via Doctrine, and a powerful CLI toolset for managing scalable applications.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersCommand Line Interfaces
    View on GitHub↗31,073
  • phalcon/cphalconphalcon avatar

    phalcon/cphalcon

    10,829View on GitHub↗

    Phalcon is a full-stack PHP web framework implemented as a compiled C extension that loads directly into the PHP interpreter. Rather than executing PHP scripts at runtime, the framework runs as a native C module, bundling routing, ORM, templating, and caching into immutable structures compiled at build time. This architecture hooks directly into PHP's internal Zend Engine API to bypass userland function call overhead, processes HTTP requests through a C-level event pipeline, and passes data between layers using pointer references instead of duplicating memory buffers. The framework manages ob

    Phalcon is a full-stack PHP framework that provides a complete MVC architecture, ORM, and template engine, delivering high performance by running as a compiled C extension.

    PHPFull-Stack FrameworksPHP C-Extension FrameworksC-Extension Frameworks
    View on GitHub↗10,829
  • aplus-framework/mvcaplus-framework avatar

    aplus-framework/mvc

    262View on GitHub↗

    This project is a PHP framework designed for building web applications through the model-view-controller architectural pattern. It provides a structured environment for organizing server-side code into distinct layers, separating business logic and data management from user interface presentation. The framework functions as a server-side component library that manages the lifecycle of web requests. It includes tools for mapping incoming traffic to specific controller methods, processing requests through a middleware pipeline, and rendering dynamic content using template-based views. The syste

    This is a modular PHP framework that implements the MVC pattern and provides the core request routing, middleware, and templating tools required for building structured web applications.

    PHPModel-View-Controller Frameworks
    View on GitHub↗262
  • laruence/yaflaruence avatar

    laruence/yaf

    4,516View on GitHub↗

    Yaf is an MVC web framework implemented as a compiled PHP extension in C. It functions as a performance extension designed to reduce overhead and increase request processing speeds compared to frameworks written in standard user-land PHP. The framework moves core logic, including request routing, into a compiled binary layer to accelerate the dispatch of incoming network requests to controllers. It provides a command-line utility to generate standardized project scaffolding and boilerplate directory structures. The system covers application bootstrapping to initialize environment state, conf

    Yaf is a high-performance MVC framework implemented as a PHP extension that provides essential routing, scaffolding, and templating capabilities for building scalable web applications.

    CMVC Frameworks
    View on GitHub↗4,516
  • slimphp/slimslimphp avatar

    slimphp/Slim

    12,233View on GitHub↗

    Slim is a PHP micro-framework designed for building web applications and APIs by routing incoming network requests to specific callback functions. It provides a lightweight foundation that emphasizes low memory overhead, allowing developers to construct backend systems by integrating only the necessary components. The framework distinguishes itself through a middleware-based request pipeline and full support for standardized HTTP message interfaces. By utilizing these standard interfaces, the system enables modular application logic and ensures interoperability with a wide range of third-part

    Slim is a lightweight PHP micro-framework that provides a modular foundation for building web applications, though it lacks the full-stack, "batteries-included" features like a built-in ORM or template engine found in larger frameworks.

    PHPDependency Injection Containers
    View on GitHub↗12,233
  • codeigniter4/codeigniter4codeigniter4 avatar

    codeigniter4/CodeIgniter4

    5,924View on GitHub↗

    CodeIgniter is a PHP web framework built on the Model-View-Controller pattern, designed for building full-stack web applications. It provides a lightweight toolkit with minimal configuration, organizing application logic into controllers, models, and views for clean separation of concerns. The framework includes a fluent query builder for constructing SQL statements programmatically, PSR-4 autoloading with namespace mapping, and a service-based dependency injection container for managing shared class instances. The framework distinguishes itself through its comprehensive set of built-in tools

    CodeIgniter 4 is a full-stack PHP framework that implements the MVC pattern, includes a robust CLI toolset, and provides essential features like an ORM-like query builder and built-in authentication support for scalable web development.

    PHPDependency Injection ContainersModel-View-Controller FrameworksMVC Implementations
    View on GitHub↗5,924
  • drupal/drupaldrupal avatar

    drupal/drupal

    4,250View on GitHub↗

    Drupal is an open-source enterprise content management system and PHP web application framework. It provides a toolkit for creating digital experiences through custom content types, blocks, and an extensible administrative interface. The platform is designed for enterprise web publishing, managing complex website hierarchies and digital assets across multiple languages. It supports multilingual website administration through content translation and the import of locale files. The system includes capabilities for managing user permissions, controlling access to unpublished content, and calcul

    Drupal is a robust, enterprise-grade PHP framework that provides a comprehensive MVC-like architecture, ORM-like entity system, and extensive built-in tools for authentication and content management, making it a powerful choice for scalable web applications.

    PHPEnterprise Content Management SystemsAnnotated Class DiscoveryCascading File Resolution
    View on GitHub↗4,250
  • octobercms/octoberoctobercms avatar

    octobercms/october

    11,140View on GitHub↗

    October is a self-hosted content management system and website engine built on the Laravel PHP framework. It provides a modular platform for developing custom websites and web applications, featuring an integrated administration interface for organizing and delivering digital content. The system utilizes a plugin-based extension model that allows core functionality to be expanded through independent modules. This architecture enables the registration of custom routes, views, and database schemas to build complex web features. The platform includes tools for asset compilation and bundling, a

    October is a content management system built on top of the Laravel framework, providing the full MVC, ORM, and CLI capabilities of its underlying foundation while adding a modular CMS layer for web development.

    PHPContent Management & PublishingContent Management SystemsContent Schema Definitions
    View on GitHub↗11,140
  • laravel/lumen-frameworklaravel avatar

    laravel/lumen-framework

    1,506View on GitHub↗

    Lumen is a PHP micro-framework designed for building lightweight web services and RESTful API backends. It provides a specialized toolset for handling incoming HTTP requests and routing them to application logic with minimal overhead. The framework facilitates the development of distributed systems by offering a small footprint and high performance. It includes a service container for dependency injection, a middleware pipeline for request filtering, and regex-based route dispatching to manage application traffic. Developers can utilize a unified database abstraction layer to standardize int

    Lumen is a micro-framework derived from Laravel that provides a streamlined, high-performance environment for building APIs and microservices while retaining core features like routing, dependency management, and ORM support.

    PHPService Containers
    View on GitHub↗1,506
Compare the top 10 at a glance
RepositoryStarsLanguageLicenseLast push
cakephp/cakephp8.8KPHPMITJun 26, 2026
yiisoft/yii4.8KPHPBSD-3-ClauseJun 21, 2026
laravel/framework34.8KPHPMITJun 16, 2026
yiisoft/yii214.3KPHPBSD-3-ClauseJun 16, 2026
zendframework/zendframework5.4K—BSD-3-ClauseMay 22, 2019
top-think/think7.9KPHPNOASSERTIONJul 16, 2025
bcit-ci/codeigniter18.2KPHPMITJul 15, 2024
laravel/laravel84.5KBlade—Jun 16, 2026
symfony/symfony31.1KPHPMITJun 16, 2026
phalcon/cphalcon10.8KPHPBSD-3-ClauseJun 23, 2026

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