Highlights of CakePHP- An Efficient PHP Framework The design and development of any website, requires the support of powerful technology that can deliver necessary functionalities. It is also essential that the website is interactive and dynamic, and the technology should also ensure that the website is scalable. PHP is used extensively by many web development companies for creating high-end websites that can effectively deliver the business requirements. PHP or Hypertext Preprocessor is a scripting language, used specifically for server side and is employed as a programming language as well as for web development projects. PHP can be embedded in HTML, and the web servers interpret the code with a PHP processor, which can produce the corresponding web page. About PHP Frameworks Framework is a term that is employed a lot in any web development process. As suggested by the name, it provides a foundation or a frame where the code, created by developers, can be conveniently arranged to design the architecture. PHP frameworks refer to a collection of PHP functions and classes that are implemented by PHP developers for constructing the web application. With frameworks, the application development process can be carried out in an efficient manner, since it enables similar frame or structure on which several distinct projects can be based. With this definite idea about the base of the code, handling multiple projects can also be easy, and developers can work on the projects in an organized manner. Introducing CakePHP: A Popular PHP Framework It is an open source framework for developing web applications. CakePHP is designed based on the fundamentals of Ruby on Rails, and is written in PHP. The framework structure is easy to understand and it is implemented extensively in the web development world. Using this platform, dynamic web applications can be created and maintained easily. This framework can also be used as a foundation for the creation of flexible applications in a time efficient manner. Features of CakePHP This framework allows quick generation of prototypes since codes can be constructed quickly. No extra configuration other than the setup of the database is required and the neatly structured MVC allow the developers to have better control over the overall management of the project. CakePHP supports compatibility with both PHP4 and PHP5, and has in-built view helper classes for Javascript and AJAX. The framework as a whole and the related aspects such as session handling, and configuration of security, are quite easy to comprehend and
implement. Many other features, such as data validation, database access, authentication, and caching are also in-built, which makes it a very convenient PHP framework for web application development. It also offers various tools and protection attributes for security of the web application. Explaining the MVC Model of CakePHP Framework The MVC structure defines the framework, and can be elaborated as Model, View, Controller, and offers a basic layout for the application, including table names used in databases as well as filenames, thus maintaining the logical flow of the application. In CakePHP, in addition to the model, view and controller, there are other features such as behavior, component, and helper classes. •
Models
Used specifically for data access, the models essentially denote the tables in the databases. Various operations such as establishing connection to the databases, executing queries as instructed by the controller, and saving the data are some of the functions of models. •
Views
As indicated by the name, they are used for the presentation and display of the content. It offers a convenient way of separating the business logic from the presentation logic, and only basic operational structures such as foreach loops for the iteration of data can be implemented here. It is essential that for nearly every controller function, there should be a corresponding view structured for it. •
Controllers
They include the logic of the web application and provide different functionalities for managing and implementing the logic associated with the application. •
Behaviors
Behaviors make the model lighter by allowing developers to make the logic that is not directly associated with the model distinct from it. Such logic also needs to be present, or is needed in other models, and so this separation is done by allocating a class variable. •
Helpers
Helpers correspond to classes that are similar to components and are used specifically for the presentation layer of the web application, which comprises of the presentation logic that is distributed between multiple elements, layouts, or views. •
Components
They correspond to logical data packages that are collective between the controllers. Functionalities that need to be copied and pasted among controllers can be wrapped in a component. Advantages Offered by CakePHP With the MVC layout forming a major aspect of CakePHP, complex applications and lengthy codes can be easily managed, and organized in an efficient manner. The modular application structure adds to the versatility of the platform, and allows developers to access the wide range of plug-ins available. Improved management of databases and efficient retrieval of data is possible with the ORM or Object Relational Mapping in the CakePHP framework. Wide Ranging Uses of CakePHP •
Shopping Cart
This framework can be implemented for design and development of excellent ecommerce sites, which works reliably backed by the powerful features of CakePHP. Such applications can also prove to be effective in increasing the conversion rate as well as reducing the chances of abandonment of shopping carts. This framework can equip the ecommerce application with essential features, and help provide a secure environment for various transactions and online purchases. •
Customization
One of the main requirements from any framework is that it should be customizable so as to fulfill the specific requirements of the business. CakePHP succeeds in this area, as this open source platform can be conveniently adapted to work efficiently with the business requirements put forth by the clients, and thus the website serves as an excellent tool for the company, and it offers the requisite functionality and services, which are equally reliable. •
Application Development
Diverse applications such as portals, content management systems, customized components, ecommerce systems, and SEO compatible applications can be designed using this platform. The convenient MVC structure of this framework is instrumental in reducing the amount of coding
required, which helps in increasing the development rate of the applications, and allows developers to create powerful and versatile applications that function consistently. Content Management Systems based on CakePHP The use of an effective CMS is very essential in any web development project. Some of the popular choices available when looking for a content management system based on CakePHP include•
CupCake CMS
Suitable for sites that require fast deployment, this category of CMS is lightweight and offers ample focus on design as well. Preferred for small and medium magnitude websites, it is extremely easy to use and allows convenient management of content. Equipped with a WYSIWYG editor the interface is also well organized and designed. Even those without proficiency in HTML can manage the site and content. •
Croogo
An open source CMS, it can support several languages. Categorization of content is also possible with this platform, and it uses a WYSIWYG editor, which means that the content can be edited and managed easily. •
Wildflower
Designed on the CakePHP framework and providing a JQuery JavaScript library, this CMS is also quite user friendly and efficient. •
Lu mad CMS
An open source CMS, this platform offers a simple, yet powerful interface, which allows users to manage the website easily, and update the content as per requirement. Web Application Development Solutions Available in CakePHP With CakePHP growing as a preferred PHP framework for the development of web applications, many web development companies are offering their expert services in the field. The numerous benefits of this framework such as scalability of the applications, as well as their reliable performance bring forth a high demand for professional solutions in this field. These web development companies can tailor the application to meet the business requirements of the clients, and thus the application serves the company objectives in a reliable manner. Some of the services offered in CakePHP development include integration, content management system design, template design, ecommerce development, as well as CakePHP customization. With
attributes like data validation and easy integration of web services, these companies ensure that the CakePHP applications developed are sophisticated and reliable.