Nowadays, there are tons of PHP web application frameworks available for back-end developers, Codeigniter vs Laravel is always a tough choice to make. These PHP frameworks are useful in boosting up the web development process.
Here in this article, we are going to observe the difference between Laravel and Codeigniter to decide which is the best web development framework. So, let’s get into the concepts of Laravel and Codeigniter and analyze those points to understand Codeignitor vs Laravel. But, before that, let’s understand these PHP frameworks.
What is Laravel Framework?
Laravel is an Open-source PHP framework that is widely used in web application development. It follows MVC architecture and is inspired by the popular PHP framework Symfony.
Further, the source code of the PHP framework laravel is hosted on GitHub. In fact, it is licensed under the terms of MIT License. Laravel is a trustworthy PHP framework that follows accurate and expressive language guidelines.
What is Codeigniter Framework?
Codeigniter is a powerful PHP web framework. It is useful for developers who are looking for simple and elegant toolkits for their web application development process.
Codeigniter web framework is one of the best frameworks for creating dynamic websites using PHP. It provides a back-end developer with full liberty so that they don’t have to depend upon MVC architectural patterns. Also, the Codeigniter framework sanctions the Plugins of third parties that aid in applying complex functionalities.
Codeigniter vs laravel
| Comparison Aspects | CodeIgniter | Laravel |
| Construction and updates | CodeIgniter’s structure is MVC architectural pattern and supplies easy on-boarding. The pattern is based on object-oriented programming. | Laravel follows the model-view-controller (MVC) pattern of filing. It also contains a command-line tool known as the Artisan. |
| Support of other DBMS | CodeIgniter supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and Microsoft BI. Furthermore, it also provides integration support for other databases like Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and DB2. | Laravel also supports database servers such as Microsoft SQL Server, ORACLE, MySQL, IBM DB2, PostgreSQL, JDBC compatible, and orientDB. |
| Inbuilt modules | CodeIgniter framework does not deliver any inbuilt modularity feature. So, the developers have to generate and preserve modules by utilizing Modular Extension. | This framework is formed with inbuilt modularity features. Laravel allows developers to split a project into trivial modules through the bundle. |
| Popularity and latest trends | It provides an ease of usage in 2.x, and hence, most web developers prefer CodeIgniter. | Laravel is much popular in the current times due to its communicative coding pattern. Further, it has more popularity compared to CodeIgniter |
| Facilitate RESTful API | The streamlined development of REST APIs is not simplified. | RESTful Controller methods allow Laravel developers to produce a collection of REST API without investing extra effort and time. |
| Online support and libraries | CodeIgniter offers adequate inbuilt functionality, and their site has a valuable guide that a developer can use without having any prior knowledge of it. | Laravel provides authentic documentation that is precise and elaborate. However, if required one can get extra help from Laracast.com. |
| API building and template engine | There is no built-in template engine. The developers assimilate Codeigniter with a third-party templating engine tool named Smarty. This helps in executing common tasks and improves the performance of the CodeIgniter website. | Laravel API contains a simple but vigorous template engine Known as Blade. The Blade engine allows PHP programmers to enhance the execution of the web application by manipulating and augmenting views. |
| Template language | PHP | Blade template engine |
| Database model | Object-oriented | Relational object-oriented |
| Programming paradigm | Object-oriented event-driven functional | Component oriented |
| Authentication | CodeIgniter has no inbuilt authentication traits. So, the developers need to authorize and authenticate users by scripting custom CodeIgniter extensions. | The authentication class trait by Laravel forms makes it easy for developers to implement authorization and authentication rules. |
| HTTP support | It does not facilitate HTTP completely. So the developers, utilize a URL to maintain the data transmission safely by forming paths. | It allows programmers to describe custom HTTP routes and also, form a precise URL for each HTTP route. |
| Learning curve | Easy Learning Curve | Steep learning Curve |
| Unit testing | CodeIgniter does not have an inbuilt unit testing tool. Hence, its developers ought to use extra unit testing support to evaluate the value of the application as well as code. | Laravel allows its developers to check application code carefully and uninterruptedly with the assistance of the PHP Unit. |
| Version | CodeIgniter’s latest version is v4.1.9 | Laravel’s latest version is Version 9. |
If you are stuck between CodeIgniter and Laravel, get in touch with our experts for a free consultation. The expert will understand your requirements and suggest you the best tech stack.
