Laravel vs Codeigniter: What to Choose?

Before starting with a discussion on Laravel vs Codeigniter, you have to understand what both terms mean.

Laravel is defined as a PHP open-source framework used in the development of web applications. The framework is based on the model view controller’s design pattern, which is why projects developed using this framework are more structured and manageable. This framework uses the available functionality of the central framework while using its features too. This framework retains all the features of the previous one. The web application developed using this feature is more secure in terms of hacking. The style and syntax of Laravel are more elegant.

CodeIgniter is a PHP open-source framework, which is easy to understand and easy for learners to start developing. Laravel as Codeigniter is considered as the PHP web framework due to its inbuilt advanced features with high popularity. The market share of Laravel is double in comparison to Codeigniter. The Codeigniter has been popular among web developers for the past 14 years. Both frameworks are used for web development globally. CodeIgniter is popular in 43 countries, whereas Laravel leads in 113 countries.

Codeigniter vs Laravel which is better?

Codeigniter vs Laravel both are PHP frameworks but which framework is better? The answer to the question is Laravel. There are many reasons why Laravel is better that are discussed below:

• Improved utilization of ORM

  Laravel, unlike Codeigniter, allows the web developers to use eloquent ORM fully. Laravel uses the framework of protest social mapper (ORM) with an assortment of databases effectively through the ActiveRecord execution. The persuasive ORM allows clients to work with databases utilizing a particular model of individual database tables. It can also use the model to get normal undertakings focused on embedding new records and running database inquiries.

• More RESTFul state control over traditional controller methods.

  The RESTful Controllers offered by Laravel allow web developers to develop a variety of REST APIs without extra time and effort, putting additional time and exertion. The developers can set the Restful property in the RESTful Controller to develop custom REST APIs without using supportive code. On the other hand, it is not mandatory in Codeigniter to streamline the development of REST APIs. The clients are required to develop extra code for the development of REST APIs for web applications.

• The comparison in Unit testing support

  The rating of Laravel is more as compared to other PHP structures in the classification of unit testing. Laravel allows developers to check the application code along with PHPUnit. PHPUnit has an assortment of out-of-box augmentations. On the contrary, Codeigniter does not have inherent unit testing apparatuses. In this case, software developers must utilize extra unit testing devices for application code in the development procedure.

  Considering all these points, one can say that Laravel is an improved framework over CodeIgniter due to its coding pattern with the elegant look. Laravel also supports robust application development without the wastage of time.

The outlook of Codeigniter and Laravel in 2021

• Both Codeigniter and Laravel can be differentiated using different aspects. According to web developers, Codeigniter is described as the package of PHP Framework. Codeigniter is described as the agile and open framework with a small mark. It is empowering the next generation to develop web apps.
• On the contrary, Laravel is presented as a framework for web artisans. The framework of Laravel is expressive and has elegant syntax. Web development is more enjoyable with creative experience for developers. Laravel allows developers to ease most of the tasks in web projects including authentication, routing, sessions and caching.
• CodeIgniter and Laravel include the full stack framework category of the tech stack.
• Both CodeIgniter and Laravel are open-source tools. The GitHub Stars and forks of Laravel are 64.9K stars and 20.8K, respectively on the other hand the CodeIgniter’s GitHub stars and forks are 18.1K and 7.8K.
• The popular companies that use Laravel are 9GAG, BBC, and Crowdcube. and CodeIgniter is used by Buffer, Nissan, and Social dog.
• We have also checked the comparison between laravel and codeigniter search terms on Google trends. Laravel is more searched than codeigniter.
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The performance benchmark of Laravel vs Codeigniter

There are differences in the performance of Laravel vs Codeigniter

• Laravel

  The performance of the Laravel application is slow, with implications on the success of a project. The web developing community that uses Laravel mentions that its performance can be improved if optimized appropriately, allowing applications to perform efficiently under 20ms speed. Cache tags allow the application to load the pre-stored information quickly with faster response time and improved performance.

• CodeIgniter

  The Codeigniter-related applications work through the functional test to determine the performance. Few projects depict various response times focused on the number of users. For example, the average response time to run the application was 11.5 seconds with 100 users, 45.6 seconds for 500 users, and 26.0 seconds for 1100 users.

  These project examples depict the robust and scalable performance of Codeigniter.

The application structure of Codeigniter vs Laravel

According to Urjashee Shaw, Web developer at Simpalm, “The concept of flexibility is most important in choosing a framework, as it will help avoid strict implementation of architecture and guidelines. The framework should be considered as a guide, not as methods and standards.”

The application architecture of Laravel

Laravel uses the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern that offers the ability to split the roles of developers in a comfortable development process. The frontend developer is focused on working on the views, a backend developer is focused on working on the controller logic.

The MVC patterns offer complete control over application and application-specific routes. It also allows customizing the appearance of applications on a global scale. The pattern enhances the SEO of the application while implementing external APIs. Reusing application logic can be effortless using the MVC architecture in Laravel. Thus, the development of consistent backend support for web applications is always easy.

The application architecture of Codeigniter

CodeIgniter is related to the Model-View-Controller model. This architecture allows web pages to include reduced scripting and test-built modules. The test-driven development approach helps in saving time, improved productivity, and enables integration with Javascript frameworks.

The ease of testing in Codeigniter vs Laravel app

• Laravel app

  There are many testing tools available to test the function of this PHP app, which is also known as a malware-free application. There are two distinct levels of Laravel testing which include Unit tests and Feature tests.

  Laravel has robust testing documentation by default and offers the tools to test the application environment at different levels, including the capacity to perform mock tests by mocking application codes and events.

• Codeigniter app

  Codeigniter proposes a unit-testing class that allows users to write the test for their Codeigniter applications. The application has an evaluation function with two result functions that cannot complete a full-blown test. Still, on the other side, it acts as an easy tool to calculate your code quality for precise results. They run by preparing the class and creating reports and also offer customized templates to display tests.

The pros and cons of Laravel

• Advantages of Laravel

  • The architecture of MVC : The MVC architecture allows Laravel to be the best PHP compatible for web application development. It offers improved performance with detailed documentation and in-built features that are missing in other PHP environments.
  • Simple email integration system : An easy email integration function is mandatory for web applications. Laravel is suited for drivers including Mandrill, Amazon SES and Sendmail. Emails can be sent in the cloud and local services.

• Disadvantages of Laravel

  • Lack of technical talents : Laravel is considered to be simple due to its automated in-built functions. This is the reason why web developers overestimate it’s knowledge and it leads to the shortage of skilled Laravel experts.
  • Problems after updates : Laravel often faces some difficulties even after updates therefore sometimes it gets criticized. However, these problems can be resolved by expert laravel programmers with good experience.

The pros and cons of Codeigniter

• Advantages of Codeigniter

  • Bug Handling : Codeigniter offers user-friendly and controllable interfaces which is beneficial in recognizing and managing errors throughout the application. You will get bug handling directions and debugging details. It will detail all the errors of PHP in the application.
  • Advanced validation framework : The form validation feature allows you to depict the code in a single line. You can utilize an effective validation framework system for simple code description without any errors.

• Disadvantages of Codeigniter

  • Codeigniter lack emphasis on code maintainability : CodeIgniter does not support default partitioning of code. Therefore, web developers had to put extra stress and efforts to update and maintain the code.
  • Requirement of exhaustive libraries : The libraries offered by CodeIgniter are not as thorough and time consuming in comparison to one submitted by other PHP frameworks.

The key differences between Laravel and Codeigniter

The important differences between both are listed below briefly

• The built-in authentication feature is lacking in Codeigniter whereas Laravel has authentication class features.
• Codeigniter does not have an inbuilt Unit testing tool and Laravel has an inbuilt Unit testing tool.
• Laravel is component-oriented and Codeigniter is Object-oriented event-driven functional.
• Codeigniter is easy to understand by beginners on the other hand, Laravel has additional features that are problematic for beginners.

Conclusion

In the end, we can conclude that these PHP frameworks have their relevance and benefits. However, it depends on the project that you choose for the development. To encapsulate, we can say that Laravel has a slight edge compared to CodeIgniter due to its elegant and advanced features.

Laravel and Codeigniter, both PHP frameworks have their own sets of advantages and drawbacks. Choosing a cost-effective and efficient framework is important in your project development. You can contact our expert team to get appropriate details on choosing the best website frameworks.