Laravel VS CodeIgniter: Which is better PHP Framework in 2021?

Tags: laravel, codeignite, phpframeworks
Published: 2021-04-08 12:40:48

Recently, the debate over the two top PHP frameworks- LARAVEL VS CODEIGNITER is gaining much excitement. Because of the curiosity among developers and business owners to choose the right PHP framework. 

To support and spot out the winner of the debate, we must have a better understanding of both frameworks. As well as the striking difference between them. 

So, let's get into the argument Codeigniter vs Laravel: Which PHP Framework is better in 2021? 

##CodeIgniter VS Laravel: Popularity

Laravel has 96.7k Stack Overflow questions while CodeIgniter has 606k questions. Laravel has 45.5 GitHub Stars whereas CodeIgniter has 16.5 K stars on Github. 


##CodeIgniter VS Laravel: Users

Prominent Companies using Laravel are 9GAG, Union, Geocodio. While prominent companies using CodeIgniter are Buffer, Machester.com, Webedia. 


##What is Laravel?


The most widely used open-source PHP framework. Laravel enables building elegant web applications. Further, It follows the MVC architecture pattern. Laravel has an MIT license and releases its code on GitHub. 

Laravel is the most trusted PHP framework for security reasons. Since, it offers highly secured web and mobile applications.
 
**Features of Laravel:**

•	Modular Packaging
•	Blade-Templating Engine
•	Built-in Cache support & Authentication Mechanism
•	Better IO Capabilities
•	Quality Session Control
•	Eloquent ORM Alternative
•	Easy Integration with 3rd Party Libraries
•	Fully Composer-based Dependency Manager
•	Easy Integration with third-party libraries
•	Routing middleware
•	Artisan CLI


###Latest Laravel Version – Laravel 8

[Laravel 8](https://laravel.com/docs/8.x/releases) is the latest release version, including a range of reliable and refined features like-

•	Laravel Jetstream: is an application scaffolding. It includes login, registration, two-factor authentication, email verification, and much more. Further, Jetstream improves upon the legacy authentication UI. 
•	Model factory classes: Model factories are re-written to have first-class relationship support now.
•	Rate-limiting improvements: Now you can Secure the incoming and outgoing functions with backward compatibility.
•	Migration Squashing- Enables you to "squash" your migrations into a single SQL file. Hence, improves app performance. 


##What is Codeigniter?
CodeIgniter is a powerful open-source PHP framework. For a rapid building of full-featured web applications, CodeIgniter is the best pick. The top PHP framework to create dynamic websites.
Unlike Laravel, CodeIgniter doesn't strictly follow the MVC pattern. Further, it allows integration of third-party tools. 

**Features of Codeigniter**

•	Advance Security & XSS Filtering
•	Data Encryption
•	SEO-Friendly URLs
•	Light Weight Framework
•	Form & Data Validation
•	Session Management
•	File Uploading Class
•	Error Logging
•	Image Manipulation Library
•	Classes for Calendar, Template Engine, & Unit Testing
•	Paging & Data Encryption support
•	Hooks & Class Extensions
•	Integration with Mailing services

##Latest Codeigniter Version – Codeigniter 4

CodeIgniter 4 enables you to develop projects at a super-fast speed. Also, provides a rich set of libraries and a simple interface and logical structure. Besides, it minimizes the development time. 

•	Uses PHP 7.2 compatibility and functionality
•	To install Codeigniter 4 on serve, *intl* extension is a must.
•	To use CURLRequest, must install lib curl
•	Use Codeigniter 4 through command-line programs
•	Supports MySQL (5.1+), SqLite3, and PostgreSQL
•	Supports extension like- PHP-XML, Php-JSON & others


##Laravel Vs. CodeIgniter: Pros and Cons

**Pros of Laravel Framework**

•	Easy to learn
•	Useful for building RESTful APIs
•	Excellent built-in ORM
•	Artisan CLI
•	Use Symfony Components
•	Beginner-Friendly Framework
•	Specialized learning tools
•	Blade templating engine
•	Unit testing
•	Integrated project environment

**Pros of CodeIgniter Framework**

•	Open Source
•	Output Caching
•	Well Documented
•	Lightweight
•	Simple architecture
•	Simple Templating Engine
•	MVC framework

**Cons of Laravel Framework**

•	Steep Learning Curve
•	Swollen in Size
•	Not mature enough
•	Less built-in support

**Cons of CodeIgniter Framework**

•	Lacks Exhaustive Libraries
•	The issue in Session management
•	Lack of modern PHP functions
•	Lack of composer integration.
•	Lack of authentication against the active directory.


##Codeigniter VS Laravel: Which is the better PHP Framework in 2021?

###Database Model: CodeIgniter VS Laravel

Laravel works on a Relationship-based object-oriented database model. Thus, the framework stores data as entities into inter-related tables.

While 

Codeigniter is an object-oriented database model. So, it stores data as an object.

###Template Engine: Codeigniter V/S Laravel

Laravel has an in-built Blade Template engine. It helps in optimizing web application performance. 

Whereas

Codeigniter doesn’t have any in-built template engine.

###Routing options

Laravel follows an explicit routing. It ensures flexibility for sending the routing request. Besides, offers a Reverse Routing feature too.
 
While 

Codeigniter supports both implicit and explicit routing. 

###RESTful API

Laravel, RESTful Controllers enables Developers to build REST APIs without putting in extra time and effort. Again, to build custom REST APIs, simply set the Restful property as true in the RESTful Controller. 

While 

Codeigniter doesn't support this feature. Hence, developers have to write extra codes for Rest. 

###HTTPS Support

The Laravel latest version offers flexibility to define and establish custom HTTPS routes. Create a specific URL for every HTTPS route. Adding ‘HTTPS:// protocol’, secures data transmission.

While

Codeigniter does not provide much support for HTTPS routes. 

###Unit testing support

Laravel has an in-built Unit Testing support. Hence, it evaluates the application code consistently ensuring error-free apps.

On the other side

Codeigniter has no built-in unit testing support. Thus, need an additional tool to check the app performance.

###Modules Integration

Laravel allows dividing the app into small modules called bundles. And, it comes with built-in modularity features.
Whereas

With Codeigniter, programmers create the modules manually through Modular Extension. No built-in modularity features.

###Eloquent ORM

Eloquent ORM with the PHP Active Record Pattern allows automation of database maintenance. Achieve basic tasks like inserting new records and running database queries.

While

Codeigniter does not have support for ORM too. 

###Compatibility with other DBMS

**The DBMS is compatible with Laravel-**
•	JDBC
•	MYSQL
•	Microsoft SQL Server
•	IBM DB2
•	PostgreSQL orientdb

**The DBMS is compatible with Codeigniter-**
•	PostgreSQL
•	MongoDB
•	Microsoft BI

###Libraries and Documentation

Laravel offers elaborative and information-rich documentation. Further, Developers can access free and paid tutorials by experts on Laracasts.

Whereas

Codeigniter has a wide range of in-built functions for exceptional performance. It is used by PyroCMS and the Expression engine.

###Average Salary
The average salary for "Laravel developers" is approximately $71,459 per year. 

While 

For "CodeIgniter developer" it is approximately $47,753 per year.

##Laravel vs. CodeIgniter Which PHP Framework is better in 2021?

The comparison of the two striking PHP frameworks, [LARAVEL VS CODEIGNITER](https://aglowiditsolutions.com/blog/laravel-vs-codeigniter/), shows both have significant Pros and Cons. The final decision-CodeIgniter VS Laravel: Which PHP Framework is better in 2021? is subjective. Depends on your web or app project needs, budget, and time. 

The next step will be to find the perfect web developers. We being the leading Laravel and CodeIgniter development company can help you. [Hire professional Laravel developers](https://aglowiditsolutions.com/hire-laravel-developers/) or expert Codeigniter developers with us. Contact our technical experts for any assistance.