Hiring a PHP Developer can be a challenging task since those programmers can deal with many needs during Web Development. An inexperienced startupper or business owner can become baffled since vast number of related technologies can be used together with PHP language.
Logically, PHP is associated with the backend of Web Applications; however, most PHP Developers know frontend basics and can hold fullstack role.
Orange Sputnik has over 10 years of experience, so our managers know all the pitfalls of hiring PHP Developers. We use Staff Augmentation approach, which allows decrease hiring time, save money for keeping in-house developers, while provides full control over the remote worker and shifts dealing with boring and distracting details like managing wages and taxes on us.
Contact us to know more and try a comfortable method of adding Remote Dedicated PHP Developers to your team.
PHP coders hiring:
What PHP Developers do, Why in demand,
and Where to find?
- What tasks can PHP Вумудщзукы accomplish?
Even though PHP is a free general-purpose programming language that can be applied for both backend and frontend of the Web Development, it is mostly used for server-side-rendered (SSR) projects. - Why are PHP Developers needed nowadays?
This language is amid the most popular ones due to its simplicity, compatibility, flexibility, and open-source development. Web Applications written on PHP are easy to scale and combine with other Web coding technologies. - Where to find PHP Developers?
If someone looks for a Remote Developer, Ukraine is one of the best destinations to explore. The massive talent pool is facilitated by lower wages, good knowledge of English, and zero-time gap, which especially valuable for European businesses. However many US companies want to hire these developers despite a tangible time gap as well.
With Ukraine in the heart
Staying with Ukraine in the heart and having over 10 years of experience in Staff Augmentation, Orange Sputnik creates the most suitable conditions to hire developers for companies relying on IT technology.
What are the roles and responsibilities of PHP Developers?
The variety of functions that PHP Developers can accomplish is huge. Despite the fact that this language is mostly used to create code for the backend of the web projects and those projects which are server-side-rendered (SSR), developers that know PHP prefer to know a few frontend technologies. Quite often PHP Developers are supercharged with jQuery, VueJS, React, or Angular.
It helps them to connect visual and server side of applications and accomplish fullstack functions in the IT companies. So, applying the backend of the Web Application with PHP opens ample opportunities both for companies and Software Engineers that choose this programming language.
PHP holds the 6th place in the world with about 6 million of active developers according to SlashData analysis. This leads PHP to the popularity and its spreading, which means that selecting of PHP as a core project technology will be a perspective decision for many years as the market is fulfilled with supply and demand, which creates a safety shield for this market share.
Of course backend is the core usage of PHP you can find across CVs and job descriptions nowadays. Usually, this language is stated to show that the developer can or should deal with the server-side of Web Projects.
There is a huge variety of frameworks, CMS, CRM, and databases that PHP can work with, so every employer should mention particular technologies or preferable features that should be known by the developer. That will help to find the best fit for every specific case and project of the company.
When the talk is about the developer, it is not enough to mention just PHP and seek for best propositions. Listing technologies that a developer can use with PHP will show particular experience and raise the trust of a potential employer. This language itself is rather flexible and scalable to be mentioned standalone, so being specific can help both sides of Web Development.
During the analysis of work descriptions and CVs, we discovered that PHP is usually mentioned with Frontend Technologies. Of course, basic HTML and CSS are needed for every user side in Web Development, but further specifications can vary significantly. Thus, some prefer to mention only TypeScript or JavaScript as popular languages for the frontend, while others list wider list of technologies like VueJS, React, or Angular. The variety of CMS based on PHP also should be mentioned as frontend approaches, because they allow customizing of the design and functionality of the website (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Magento, etc.).
In practice, all these could mean two variants:
- PHP Developer works with the server-side of the project and has at least an understanding of JavaScript principles and features to connect backend with a frontend. Knowledge of JavaScript technologies or CMS can be not too deep.
- PHP Developer accomplishes functions of a Fullstack Developer in the projects, building frontend and backend of the Web Applications from scratch. Knowledge of the frontend frameworks and CMS should be on a high level.
Why is PHP so popular nowadays?
As this scripting language appeared in 1995, it has gone a long way to the current state. The latest version has the name PHP 8, which confirms that there were done many improvements to this technology. Changes were related to diverse sides of the language, adjusting its paradigm, principles, philosophy, structure, features, and many others.
Currently, the latest stable PHP version has the number 8.2 and operate on Zend Engine, but there are a some similar language implementations like HHVM, Parrot, or HipHop.
All the diversity of versions and implementations only confirms that PHP is not an totally ideal solution for Web Development, but The PHP Development Team, Zend, and PHP Foundation continue upgrading this programming language. Nowadays, the most common Pros of PHP look like in the following list:
- Web Orientation. PHP was designed for working with Web Applications, which make it be possessed of several options. Thus, it can be used for both small and large structures (not every programming language can brag of this), ready for speed accelerating technologies like in-memory caching, AJAX, and has a perfect connection with databases as the core of server-side-rendered applications.
- Low Entry Level for beginners. The syntax of PHP is quite similar to C/C++, which simplifies the process for freshers in Web Development. Moreover, as there are plenty of frameworks written on PHP, some tasks can be accomplished without deep and detailed learning of the PHP language itself.
- Open-source. The history of programming confirms that free coding approaches gain vast popularity among developers since allows sharing of ready-made solutions and boilerplates. It facilitates the interest and accessibility to the language while also leads to useful additions in the form of frameworks, libraries, CMS (content management systems), CRM (customer relation management systems), and testing tools.
- Independence. The flexibility of PHP can be seen in the variety of functions this language can accomplish in Web Development. It is often used for reliable backend source code while additional adjustments can seamlessly connect it with almost any frontend part of the content. Moreover, it has no browser dependence since runs on server and the ability to create applications for all available platforms which are substantial benefits.
Nevertheless, similar to any other programming languages it has cons as well:
- Spreading of Frameworks. The variety of PHP frameworks help to solve tasks faster but bears a few problems at the same time. Thus, the quality of some approaches is doubtful as they are free and open to use, especially in terms of protection. Furthermore, all the diversity of decisions and methods is forcing to focus more on learning frameworks instead of PHP itself. In other words, knowledge of the basics of PHP does not guarantee you ability to start working with any of PHP frameworks immediately.
- Affected Speed. There are some solutions to accelerate the work of the app written in PHP like Zend Optimizer, Opcode cache, and others, which confirms the source code itself can be clammy. It comes from source code is not being compiled and processed on a web server by a PHP interpreter implemented as a module, a daemon or a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) executable. Applications designed on C++ are much faster even though require much more time for creating. Moreover, some of the frameworks fulfil the source code with unneeded data, which can make small and simple applications too massive. All these don’t make PHP a poor language, but requires some understanding of the nuances above.
All the pros and cons can be grouped in another way and look differently, but the main features to know were highlighted.
The situation with PHP-related skills is quite common to the whole Software Development, where the developer cannot rely only on one language or technology.
Even though the set of capabilities vary from project to project, there are a few most often mentioned technologies, which are required apart of pure PHP.
According to PayScale, such a list consists of MySQL or Postgres, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and jQuery or any other of JavaScript libraries or frontent frameworks.
The current situation in Web Development forces any level of PHP Developers to widen knowledge far from the pure PHP scripting. Even those who are focused more on the backend of the applications should know basic frontend approaches, all the more so nothings to add about the developers who want to stick with fullstack programming. After analysis of bulk of CVs and Job Descriptions, we make a list of most often mentioned additional technical requirements to PHP Developers:
- Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, Sybase)
- PHP Frameworks (Laravel, Magento, Symfony, CodeIgniter, Yii, Phalcon)
- PHP CMS (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, MODX)
- Frontend basis (HTML, CSS)
- JavaScript frameworks (VueJS, Angular)
- JavaScript libraries (React, jQuery, Bootstrap, lodash)
- Development patterns and interfaces (MVC, MVP, MVVM, GUI, CLI)
- API principles
- LEMP or LAMP stack (Linux/Nginx/Apache/MySQL/PHP)
- Code Version Tools (Git, SVN)
- Understanding of authorization and authentication principles for diverse languages and approaches
- Knowing security issues related to PHP and related frameworks
What is interesting, that is not a full list of possible technologies that may be mentioned with PHP, but this set still lacks many specific components. Actually, the job description may look similar in terms of major skills like frameworks or databases, but with mentioning only one representative from the brackets.
Content Management Systems (CMS) usually accomplish frontend part while delivering functionality to build and customize websites and online platforms according to the needs and requirements. However, they are typically used to create websites that are fulfilled with content like blogging or news. If Web Application should perform more complex tasks (Facebook, LinkedIn, Quora, etc.), it is better to use PHP frameworks, which has wider opportunities to work with data manipulations and processing.
Sometimes, it is hard to draw a strict line between those two concepts, which leads to solutions like Magento, OctoberCMS, CakePHP, or many others that can be called a framework and a CMS same time.
The list of 10 best CMS made on PHP:
- WordPress is the most popular and free, has various plugins that increase interactive flexibility
- Magento is an open-source e-commerce and CMS platform
- Joomla is a nice choice for building responsive and interactive websites
- Drupal is a CMS that allows users to create and manage websites and web applications
- October CMS is a self-hosted content management system (CMS) based on the PHP programming language and Laravel web application framework
- SilverStripe allows performing via GUI and ready to solve diverse tasks
- MODX is a robust, flexible, and widely customizable platform for both small and large apps
- Concrete5 is an easy to use the open-source system, which enables building diverse websites
- PHP Fusion is MySQL based with numerous adjusting features, free to use
- Moodle is one of the most successful PHP content management systems designed for tutors and students
Databases (DB) are among the inevitable parts of any web solution as they are the places to store information. As PHP is a backend oriented language, it is well-adjusted to work with databases, including both SQL and NoSQL approaches of storing data. Although choosing a DB and its type is the matter of a particular project, some tendencies allow listing top-10 of databases, which are most often used with PHP:
- MySQL is a pretty popular open-source DB that shows excellent compatibility with PHP
- MariaDB started as a fork of MySQL and remain popular open-source its alternative
- MongoDB is easy to scale while good performing DB on NoSQL principles
- SQLite is a SQL based serverless embedded self-contained database library with a zero-configuration requirement
- PostgreSQL is a DB having enterprise level functionality competing with Oracle
- IBM-DB2 usually used for large projects
- ElasticSearch stands for non-relational NoSQL highly scalable database that can be used to store large volume of data
- Oracle among the most popular for diverse platforms and scripting languages
- Sybase is one of the most stable DBs that is suitable for both small and large projects
- Redis and Memcached are NoSQL in-memory key-value database often used to cache data
All the frameworks are designed to simplify the work via ready-made solutions, and those used in PHP are not an exclusion. PHP frameworks combine the functionality of both libraries and tools for adjusting while providing some other features.
Thus, choosing the best framework may depend on the security, speed requirements, hierarchy model, compatibility with Web Applications, migrating features, size, or even syntax of the source code.
The list of top-10 most popular and often used PHP frameworks is listed below:
- Laravel - free and reliable, with an appropriate security level and migrating opportunities
- Symfony - nice compatibility with PHP and web standards, stable and well-structured
- CodeIgniter - small, fast, easy, and have useful libraries
- Yii Framework - well-secured and allows building web solutions rapidly, advanced tools
- Zend Framework - advanced source code customization possibilities and good external integration features with high entry level for developers
- FuelPHP - framework with HMVC (Hierarchical Model-View-Controller) support, high-security level, and upgraded command line
- Magento - designed for dynamic websites with a focus on eCommerce
- Phalcon - built for speed in mind and stands out as one of the fastest among PHP frameworks inspired by C++
- Slim - lightweight micro framework, it is ideal for developing small Web Applications and Web Services
- PHPixie - high-performance fullstack framework designed for building optimized Web Applications based on HMVC pattern.
Actually, if you fully read the previous information regarding PHP and related technologies, it will help to define the list of requirements to the potential developer. And if last section is skipped, you might be aware of the specifics related to PHP and which set of technologies should have a potential employee. Validating these aspects is always up to the interviewer preferences and should match project requirements.
Even though companies can significantly vary in their sizes, current recommendations are more focused on smaller businesses since the larger company the more possibility company has HR managers with respective skills. So, if you are a founder who is looking for a PHP Developer, you can follow the next steps:
- Think about the duties of the future PHP Developer. Do you need backend only or you require a fullstack developer?
- Define the set of specific technologies like frameworks or CMS that will be used in the project. Have a look to the previous information block which should help you to determine them. If you are not familiar with Web Development, it would be better to have consultation regarding the technical stack of a future project.
- Build a plan which will help to discuss deadlines amount of the tasks.
- Try to forecast nature and amounts of potential changes, clarify the migration process between application versions.
- Plan validating and vetting process.
- And finally, define soft-skills. Sometimes, it can be the most challenging task to select the person, so those who understand and share your values and principles is very important.
It may still be not an easy task, so feel free to ask our managers about the raised issues. Orange Sputnik operates on the market over 10 years, and our staff has plenty of experience to help you.
Global spreading of wages for PHP Developers
According to data from Glassdoor, the highest annual pay of PHP Developer belongs to the US and Switzerland, which are traditionally two leaders in the IT industry in terms of rates. Other preferable locations to live and work from is the Nordics, UK, Israel, and Australia.
However, it also means that all those states are tough places to develop startups, as many funds will be spent on the software part of the project.
In general, annual payments for PHP coders presented on the following chart:
The chart above also shows that there are some primary locations to seek for PHP Developers.
India seems to be a perspective destination as the costs of living in this country is much lower, so developers require less in pay for their work. However, get ready to language barrier and a different cultural mentality.
Another region to look at is Eastern Europe, where life is better than in India but still not that well as in the West European countries. Ukraine and Bulgaria have vast talent pools to find appropriate PHP Developer and don’t worry about the time gap with the rest of the EU.
A more detailed pitstop will be made for our Remote Dedicated PHP Developers, which is one of the best offer on the market of available PHP Developers. Yo can find a trainee PHP coder starting with monthly pay of only about $500. The average pay for Junior PHP Developer will be up to $2000, Medior level is up to $3500, while experienced Senior costs around $5000-6000. All number are after taxes.
All those attractive numbers are facilitated by the huge variety of developers with good English and appropriate Western mentality. On top of it you can add almost a zero-time gap, especially for European businesses, which makes even remote cooperation live and productive.
Orange Sputnik is always open to suggest the best Dedicated Developers Teams for your business. The vast talent pool of Remote Developers and our 10+ years experience ensure the best match precisely for your needs.
Today Orange Sputnik headquatered in Prague with main operating R&D offices in Kyiv and Dnipro.
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