CodeIgniter vs Laravel: A Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

This article will tackle that problem by studying each framework's structure, major characteristics, major differences and users.

So, CodeIgniter vs Laravel? Let's dive deep!

What is CodeIgniter?

CodeIgniter is one of the PHP framework. Like other PHP frameworks blocks people from writing same PHP code. However, despite being an PHP framework, the framework offers an extremely small footprint as well as enhanced efficiency.

In February of 2006, EllisLab launched the CodeIgniter web-based framework. However, in 2014, they transferred their CodeIgniter power to BCIT. British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). As of now, BCIT has been responsible for all releases of versions as well as maintaining CodeIgniter.

CodeIgniter is a great option if you are looking for a simple yet appealing PHP toolkit that can create an entirely functional web-based application. Although a variety of PHP web frameworks have similar features, CodeIgniter has many benefits which make it among the market leaders.

Like many other PHP frameworks, CodeIgniter is based on the model-view-controller (MVC) architecture. So, whenever the user makes a request for a resource then the controller will be the first to respond. The controller evaluates the request of the user before asking all the data needed.

CodeIgniter gives libraries with simple user interfaces and a logical structure to access these libraries, along with plug-ins, helpers and other resources. It makes it easier to use PHP's complex functions while maintaining an extremely high level of performance.

CodeIgniter Main Features

Let's take a look at the main aspects of CodeIgniter:

• follows MVC: The CodeIgniter MVC framework helps speed up website development and enhances performance by distancing the logic from the presentation modules. The controller handles the request, and the database executes the model's action, and the views display the results.
• lightweight: The core system of CodeIgniter uses a few small libraries. It also loads other libraries as needed, making it lean and fast. Thus, CodeIgniter develops fast web apps as well as Minimum Viable Products (MVP) as well as prototypes.
• Migration is simple: The process of moving between servers is easy with CodeIgniter. Firms rely only on CodeIgniter since it provides the most seamless assistance for migration. You can effortlessly move older data into this framework. Also, you can rely on its large and helpful community for help moving.
• Detailed documentation: CodeIgniter's complete and perfect documentation will aid you with setting up and getting to the framework in a short time.
• Community support: CodeIgniter has rich community-based support. If you face problems when developing with this framework, there are numerous skilled specialists that can help.

Who uses CodeIgniter?

Since its beginning in 2006, CodeIgniter has served everyone from new developers to prominent industry professionals. A lot of businesses now count on CodeIgniter.

Let's take a closer look at some significant CodeIgniter customers:

• Search Engine Optimization, Inc.
• California State University
• NetSuite Inc
• Casio Computers
• The Mail & Guardian
• Nissan
• NetSuite Inc
• Freedcamp
• McClatchy
• Buffer

What Is Laravel?

When creating a website with PHP starting from scratch, you may have noticed that the UI and database query are both contained in one document. Utilizing the MVC method, it is possible to divide them into three parts to help make development of apps easier and better organized.

Laravel Principal Features

Laravel has a variety of features that give you a stunning and reliable web experience. Let's run through several of the main features to the Laravel framework:

• MVC architecture: Laravel's MVC architecture differentiates business logic from appearance and speeds up development. It enhances documentation, contains many built-in features, enhances the security of your application as well as enhancing the performance. Also, MVC simplifies unstructured coding, facilitating major projects.
• Built-in applications: Laravel includes numerous integrated packages to assist in keeping your code clean. For example the Socialite package integrates Facebook or Google Authentication into your website by utilizing a single click sign-up method.
• Artisan: The Artisan is a command line tool which streamlines and automates routine coding tasks using Laravel. The mighty Symfony Console component powers it. For example, it can generate an MVC file structure , or schema for a database, execute code migration, and manage assets in accordance with the guidelines.

Who uses Laravel?

Laravel, the most popular web development framework, has created a significant demand. Thus, businesses large and small depend on Laravel.

The biggest companies that have embraced Laravel include:

• BBC
• Pfizer
• Novell, Inc.
• TourRadar
• 9GAG
• Alpha Coders
• About You
• Laracasts
• Alison
• Invoice Ninja

CodeIgniter vs Laravel: A Head-to-Head Comparison

After we've become aware of CodeIgniter and Laravel, their features, and their applications, we can compare them on several significant parameters.

Similarities

In addition to many distinctions, CodeIgniter and Laravel have several similarities. So let's start with the similarities before we go for CodeIgniter vs Laravel.

CodeIgniter as well as Laravel similarities can be seen in:

• PHP framework both CodeIgniter as well as Laravel have PHP frameworks. Thus, PHP powers the core of both CodeIgniter and Laravel. Both represent one language even though the distinct functions.
• MVC structure: Both CodeIgniter and Laravel adhere to the MVC design pattern for development. But, CodeIgniter doesn't require strict adhering to the MVC pattern, while Laravel is heavily dependent on it.
• Active record: CodeIgniter as well as Laravel both use the active record pattern in the database. It allows retrieval, insertion, and modification of database information using a minimum of scripting. CodeIgniter utilizes an altered version of the program and Laravel utilizes it with Eloquent ORM. Eloquent ORM.

The process of Authentication and Security

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter has a built-in authentication library known as Shield. It's secure, flexible and adaptable to different types of websites.

It offers several authentication features including session-based authentication and personal access tokens for access control based on role and per-user access control overrides and much more.

Laravel

Laravel comes with an integrated security system for authentication called Laravel Sanctum that makes the process of implementing authentication easy. Every user on your app will be able to create a number of API tokens to use with Sanctum.

Furthermore, Laravel offers packages for authentication such as Laravel-UI, Breeze JetStream, or Laravel-UI. JetStream. You can implement an automatic verification system using either of them, saving you the effort to write additional code for authentication.

Scalability and extensibility

Scalability is the ability to boost your application's speed or performance as well as overall dimensions. And extensibility is the ability to increase its capabilities, without changing its structure or code.

Both CodeIgniter and Laravel stand on firm ground regarding extensibility and the ability to scale.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is extremely lightweight. Rasmus Lerdorf suggests it as the lightest framework because there are no conventions, and significant overhead, making it extremely flexible.

CodeIgniter lets you extend its class extensions, helpers, libraries, and hooks. Additionally, it helps you design core system classes, replace with standard functions as well as extend controllers in whatever method you'd like to attain extensibility.

Consequently, you can achieve the ability to scale with CodeIgniter, by the ability to cache changes without negatively impacting the performance.

Laravel

Laravel allows the expansion of its components to meet the requirements. Thus, you can add to an element or alter it in any manner you want. Growing and changing the request object lets you incorporate preferred helper techniques.

In-Built Modules

Modules let you break down more complex web applications into smaller modules in order to accelerate development. With regard to module modules built into the platform, CodeIgniter and Laravel differ significantly.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter isn't able to provide modular functionality. Therefore, it's challenging to separate projects into different components of work.

But, it is also possible to create modular extensions in CodeIgniter by creating a code with the modular extensions.

Laravel

Laravel comes with built-in modules which allow you to break the larger project into smaller parts. Splitting allows you to focus on specific parts of a project without dealing to the entire project entire.

Another significant benefit of using an approach that is modular is that it includes a folder structure. It organizes your functions into a better structure. structure.Hence it is possible to avoid having classes, models or configs as well as translations etc. that are connected to one feature and overlap with other modules.

Following is a brief list of some of the standard Laravel packages that help speed up development:

• Passport: Laravel Passport quickly implements an OAuth2 server for API authentication in your Laravel application. Alex Bilbie's League OAuth2 server powers it.
• Envoy Envoy provides a simple syntax to set the regular actions you can run from distant servers. Envoy currently only supports Mac and Linux devices.
• Scout Scout syncs search search databases to Eloquent records, and includes full-text search in Eloquent models.

Curves of Learning Curve

If you're a PHP user, PHP experience, CodeIgniter and Laravel should be well-versed. But, they have distinct functions that could result in some exceptions.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is an easy framework to learn and start working on, and it resembles using PHP from scratch in many ways. The process of installing CodeIgniter is extremely easy, too. It will take only a few minutes.

As CodeIgniter has few built-in features You must download extensions from other sources to gain more advanced capabilities. They may appear complicated at first, but in reality they're relatively simple than the plugins for other frameworks.

Laravel

For instance, without prior knowledge of Laravel it could require thorough research and comprehension in order before you can begin to understand modules or even the structure of folders may be difficult to comprehend.

Installation of Laravel is more complex as compared to the CodeIgniter installation. But, you are able to get Laravel installation instructions from the official manual that will make things simpler for you.

Structure and Flexibility

Laravel along with CodeIgniter both utilize an MVC framework in their architecture. Both have distinct ways to use the same framework.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter has been designed to give high performance in a neat environment in a shorter amount of time. Thus, each phase of the development process has been intended for optimal usability.

So, it's not necessary to rely solely on MVC structure while using CodeIgniter. This gives you greater freedom and more flexibility when developing.

MVC in CodeIgniter is a separate application that divides presentation, data as well as logic. In addition, the software comes with built-in components to control databases, emails as well as sessions. What's more, these built-in elements work without interference from the rest of the components, which makes it straightforward to upgrade and maintain.

Laravel

As another PHP framework, Laravel has its roots on the MVC architecture. But unlike CongeIgniter, Laravel strictly follows the MVC architecture. As a result, Larvel has the ability to efficiently maintain the MVC structure from filing to internal functions.

It's quite simple to begin. You must first develop a model to create a table in a database. Then, interact with that model with a controller to display the results in the form of a view file.

However, if you are unfamiliar with the MVC design, working with the Laravel framework can be difficult as it does not allow you to ignore the structure.

Performance (Speed)

PHP is known more for its reliability than its speed. Therefore, CodeIgniter as well as Laravel are a little shy when it comes to speed.

However, there are apparent noticeable differences however, they're on a smaller size.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is a light framework and needs only a handful of libraries. In the event that the framework needs any additional library, it will load upon the request. Therefore, the System of CodeIgniter is leaner and faster than Laravel.

CodeIgniter is also marginally quicker than Laravel due to its greater execution rate. In fact, it is able to execute requests 20% faster than Laravel.

In addition, the performance of CodeIgniter depends on the project's factors, such as the quantity of simultaneous users.

Laravel

It's a simple fact that Laravel is slower than CodeIgniter. But, Laravel is like a tractor that is pulling a large load on a smooth trailer So don't mistake performance with speed.

It's a good thing that if you're looking to get Laravel to run faster then you could speed it up by using the proper optimization.

Error Handling

Error handling refers to the method that a computer program uses to recover from an error while normal operation. It detects, anticipates and corrects programming, application, and communication errors.

Both CodeIgniter and Laravel are equipped with error handling However, they manage log notifications differently.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter comes with a basic error handling system for handling errors. It will display all errors that occur during development and testing but none on the production side. You can change this by altering the .env file and setting the ENVIRONMENT CI variable.

CodeIgniter creates three kinds of messages:

• Error message
• Debug messages
• Informational messages

The feature for error logs included in CodeIgniter permits you to save errors as text files. It generates error messages regardless of class or function scope.

Laravel

You can find the exception logs in the App\Exceptions\Handler class. The class has two methods:

• report () method
• render () method

Popularity and Job Market

CodeIgniter as well as Laravel are two of the most well-known in PHP frameworks. Each framework comes with its own group that has selected due partially, to their importance.

Let's compare the popularity of these two frameworks and job market as measured by their use percentages for different platforms and communities.

CodeIgniter

In accordance with multiple stats, CodeIgniter is the second most used PHP framework, second only to Laravel. CodeIgniter boasts 18.2k stars at GitHub.

Although some professionals may be less likely to select CodeIgniter as their tool, many large, well-known companies depend on it. Unified Infotech, Zendesk, Space India, Casio Computer Co., Nissan, and McClatchy are just a few of the businesses who utilize CodeIgniter which indicates a steady and promising job market for developers.

Based on ZipRecruiter's salary information, CodeIgniter developers earn from $66,000 to $105,000 a year throughout the United States.

Laravel

JetBrains study says that 50% of PHP users are using Laravel. Professionals are particularly impressed by its durability and its ability to handle extensive complex and intricate systems.

In the data that has been compiled by various technical sources, social media, and online forums for discussion, it ranks highly in popularity. As an example, on GitHub, Laravel has 71.2k stars reflecting the popularity of the framework.

Major companies like Pfizer, BBC, About You and TourRadar utilize Laravel to build and maintain digital platforms. Furthermore, many well-known applications like Laracasts, Barchart, and AsgardCMS utilize Laravel to host their backend servers.

Support and Community

PHP has been a trustworthy technology for a very long time. This is why a large majority of users rely on PHP as well as its various frameworks.

The PHP developers and users pay attention to each framework for this reason. This is why there is a large community of PHP users and developers, and you will receive lots of assistance if you ask for it. The process is simple Learn from well-experienced users when you need to and instruct others when they look for assistance.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter comes with an extensive document on its official website that explains and covers many of its capabilities. This is your main and only source for information, training and assistance.

CodeIgniter has active communities that are active on Facebook, Reddit, Stack Overflow, LinkedIn, and similar platforms. These communities have thousands of members who frequently publish and share pertinent CodeIgniter as well as PHP content.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced CodeIgniter developers, we recommend joining the communities listed above. You can find out everything you need to that isn't available in the official documentation.

Laravel

Every community hub is actively operating and can provide important Laravel-related tips as well as unending support. If you're working on Laravel, these communities can aid you. Or, you can help them instead.

Furthermore there is also, the official Laravel website is well-organized with documentation, which can be a great base to begin from if you want to learn how to utilize Laravel.

Templates and APIs

Despite both being PHP frameworks, CodeIgniter and Laravel have different template engine philosophies. They do share an emphasis on APIs.

CodeIgniter

Laravel

Laravel has the template engine called Blade. Blade's syntax structure Blade is straightforward yet effective. Blade is more coherent and simple than many templates engines due to its similarity to common HTML documents.

Syntaxes

CodeIgniter has a templates engine, dubbed the Template Parser Class, but it's not required; in fact, using pure PHP helps the view files perform more quickly.

However, Laravel exclusively uses Blade templates.

Let's discuss each one in more detail.

CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter is an object-oriented program that utilizes PHP, HTML, and CSS for web-based applications. CodeIgniter does not require an engine for templates, but some developers like templates, and they're available. Template Parser Class is there to be used in the event that you would like. So, you can either use PHP's built-in template engine or add a third-party tool such as Smarty.

Next, let's look at some CodeIgniter syntax:

CodeIgniter Controllers

•    CI_Controller  
•    default  
•    index  

CodeIgniter Variables

•    $config  
•    $db  
•    $lang  

CodeIgniter Functions

•    is_php()  
•    is_really_writable()  
•    load_class()  
•    is_loaded()  
•    get_config()  
•    config_item()  
•    show_error()  
•    show_404()  
•    log_message()  
•    set_status_header()  
•    get_mimes()  
•    html_escape()  
•    remove_invisible_characters()  
•    is_https()  
•    function_usable()  
•    get_instance()  
•    _error_handler()  
•    _exception_handler()  
•    _stringify_attributes()  

CodeIgniter Constants

•    ENVIRONMENT  
•    FCPATH  
•    SELF  
•    BASEPATH  
•    APPPATH  
•    ViewPATH  
•    CI_VERSION  
•    MB_ENABLED  
•    ICONV_ENABLED  
•    UTF8_ENABLED  
•    FILE_READ_MODE  
•    FILE_WRITE_MODE  
•    DIR_READ_MODE  
•    DIR_WRITE_MODE  
•    FOPEN_READ  
•    FOPEN_READ_WRITE  

Template Parser Class

Let's take a look at using our Template Parser Class. You are able to initialize it as other classes within CodeIgniter.

$this->load->library('parser');

Templates Templates

It is possible to make use of parse() to render basic templates:

$data = array(
 'blog_title' => 'My Blog Title',
 'blog_heading' => 'My Blog Heading'
 );
 
 $this->parser->parse('blog_template', $data);

Security Class

In the case of security classes You can employ the xss clean() method to sort data by using the XSS filter:

$data = $this->security->xss_clean($data);

Cross-Site Demand Forgery (CSRF)

The following modification to your application/config/config.php file will enable CSRF protection:

$config['csrf_protection'] = TRUE;

Laravel

We have discussed this before, Laravel employs the built-in Blade templating engine and its syntax. Blade lets you use the template engine and writing syntax easy.

Laravel Blade is structured by loops, conditionals and conditionals. Additionally, it is very easy to use. To create, for instance, an Blade template, you just have to save your view as .blade.php instead of .php.

We'll take a closer take a look at the Laravel Blade syntax next.

Displaying the data

Set the value of a variable between curly brackets in order to display it as:

$variable;

Blade Loops

The directives looped by the blade templating engine are: @for, @endfor, @foreach, @endforeach, @while and @endwhile

@for ($i = zero; $i 10; $i++)
The present value is $i |$i|$i =}
@endforforeach ($users as users as $user)
 This is user the user's id |This is user $user->id|The ID of user $user}@endforeach
 @forelse ($users as the user)
  $user->name 
 @empty
 There are no users
 @endforelse
 @while (true)
 I'm looping forever.
 @endwhile

Ternary Operators

The ternary operator of Blade is Laravel's alternative to the if-else statements:

 User::has('email') ? 'Yes' : 'No' 

If Statements

It is possible to create if statements using the directives @if, @elseif, @else, and @endif. These directives work in the same way as their PHP counterparts:

@if (count($records) === 1)
I have one record! If (count($records) greater than 1)
I have several records! @else
 I don't possess any data! @endif

Raw PHP

Occasionally, adding PHP code to your views is beneficial. You can, for instance, make use of the Blade @php directive to run a simple PHP block in your template

@php
 $counter = 1;
 @endphp

Stacks

@push('scripts')
 
 @endpush

CSRF Field

There is a way to add an invisible CSRF token field within the definition of your application's HTML form to ensure that the middleware will be able to check the information in the request. Using the @csrf Blade directive, you are able to generate the token field:

 @csrf
 ...
 

CodeIgniter vs Laravel: Comparison Table

Let's look at comparing CodeIgniter with Laravel one-to-one and review some of the basic programming parameters:

CodeIgniter vs Laravel The Best Choice: Which One Should You Pick?

In the past, you've witnessed many of the benefits and disadvantages of these two PHP frameworks. And you are aware that, despite sharing the same roots they both CodeIgniter and Laravel have their differences and their own areas of strengths.

The two frameworks have a variety of features to simplify, stabilize, secure, and scale your development project by with PHP according to the way it is compatible with your process of development.

Thus, you must be sure of the type of system you want to construct and the necessary technologies involved prior to being able to decide which one to choose over another.

Here are some thoughts to help you determine whether to use CodeIgniter or Laravel in various ways. As always, preferences differ between developers. next.

What is the best time to use CodeIgniter?

You can use CodeIgniter if your project requires one of the following:

• Simple, error-free configuration: CodeIgniter has a fluid and flexible folder structure which makes it easier to understand PHP syntax. This style of construction allows users to build web-based applications fast without having syntax issues. CodeIgniter is ideal for basic web pages that are scalable and easy to build.
• Faster performance: With a faster speed of execution and development, CodeIgniter runs ahead of Laravel. Choose CodeIgniter to build an efficient, fast-paced site. Performance may be affected for larger websites.
• If you're just beginning: CodeIgniter is the best choice if you are developing your first app and want to create an application. It makes everything clear and easy to use for.

What is the best time to use Laravel

If your project needs any of the following it is recommended to employ Laravel:

• Websites with a lot of complexity: Laravel is a more suitable choice for websites with a large number of pages which run multiple processes simultaneously. The framework is robust and can proficiently handle a more complicated system, while CodeIgniter might struggle to handle larger websites.
• Numerical computation Laravel is a better choice for websites that require an analysis using numerical data, such as like trading and stock sites. It is able to handle large data sets, and its multi-thread is able to handle complicated calculations without interfering with speed.
• Fast development: Because of its pre-built templates and community assistance, Laravel is one of the most efficient frameworks for developing applications.
• High security: Laravel has a built-in security and authorization system that employs the BCrypt hashing algorithm for password encryption. Besides, Laravel forbids the storage of plaintext passwords within the database. So, if you want security-conscious websites, Laravel is the way to proceed.
• You're an expert If you're an skilled Laravel developer with a previous experience of working with other systems, Laravel may be the most suitable tool for you.

Summary

CodeIgniter as well as Laravel are the heirs of PHP. The last few years have seen developers worldwide praise these frameworks' distinctive features and usefulness.

CodeIgniter and Laravel each has their advantages, but ultimately, the requirements of your customers as well as your development processes must determine which framework to employ.

Each is reliable and effective and is a feasible development option for a long time to come. But, one method may satisfy all your requirements, while the other may be a bit less than.

Instead of looking for the strongest, look for the technology that provides you with the most effective and reliable option for your particular project and its scope.

Additionally, you'll benefit from their industry-leading security measures and their 24x7 expert assistance Keep this in mind for when you're ready to move toward the launch.

Have you ever worked on a project using CodeIgniter as well as Laravel? How did it turn out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

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