7 Best PHP IDEs
PHP Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that helps developers to write, debug, test and optimize their code. With numerous options available for PHP, choosing the right IDE can save time and enhance productivity. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best PHP IDEs.
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PHPStorm
- Key Features: Refactoring, Code Analysis, Debugging, Testing and Integration with VCS
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: $8.90-$24.90 / month
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Zend Studio
- Key Features: Code Assist, Debugging, Performance Optimization, and Deployment Wizard
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: $89.00-$299.00 / year
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Komodo
- Key Features: Code Profiling, Debugging, Code Refactoring, and Unit Testing
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: $7.00-$16.00 / month
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NetBeans
- Key Features: Code Templates, Refactoring, Debugging and Profiling, and Integration with VCS
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: Free
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Eclipse PDT
- Key Features: Syntax Highlighting, Debugging, Refactoring, and Code Templates
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: Free
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Aptana Studio
- Key Features: Code Assist, Debugging, Git Integration, and Deployment Wizard
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Pricing: Free
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Cloud9
- Key Features: Cloud-based, Real-time Collaboration, and Auto-save. For PHP, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS
- Platforms: Web-based
- Pricing: Free – $83.00 / month
- Q.1: Which IDE is best for PHP beginners?
- Q.2: Which free IDE is best for PHP?
- Q.3: Which IDE is best for PHP and Why?
- Q.4: What are the main features of PHP IDE?
The Best PHP Integrated Development Environments (IDE)
PHP, also known as PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, is a well-known scripting language widely used for web development. It is specifically designed for server-side development and is an excellent choice for building dynamic web applications.
As a PHP developer, you are responsible for not just writing code but also testing and debugging it, avoiding redundancy, and ensuring high accuracy while delivering projects quickly. To facilitate this, PHP code editors are available. Code editors make coding more manageable and permit project and file management. However, an even more powerful alternative to a code editor is an Integrated Development Environment or IDE.
Several PHP IDEs are available, and choosing an appropriate one can be a daunting task. To simplify it for you, we have listed the most popular PHP IDEs below. However, before that, let’s define what an IDE is and why you may require one for PHP development.
What is a PHP IDE and why do we need it?
A PHP IDE is an Integrated Development Environment that includes essential developer tools like a code editor, debugger, and automation tools. It eliminates the need to use different tools to develop and test projects. With automation tools specifically designed for PHP, development is faster and more efficient. A PHP IDE manages all your projects within a single GUI regardless of the project’s complexity, making it an excellent choice for professional developers who want to increase productivity.
Top 7 PHP IDEs for Developers
As a PHP developer, choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is crucial for your productivity. We’ve curated a list of the top 7 PHP IDEs to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
1. PhpStorm
2. Visual Studio Code
3. Sublime Text
4. Atom
5. Eclipse PDT
6. NetBeans
7. Brackets
Each IDE has its own set of features such as debugging, syntax highlighting, and code completion. Check out the documentation for each IDE to determine which one is best for you. Happy coding!
PHPStorm: A Powerful PHP IDE
PHPStorm is a well-known and widely used PHP IDE, developed by JetBrains, a leading software development company from the Czech Republic. This dedicated PHP IDE is loaded with a variety of features designed to enhance developer productivity.
With its auto code completion, syntax highlighting, code refactoring, error detection, and visual debugger abilities, PHPStorm simplifies the process of PHP coding. It also makes writing unit tests with PHPUnit and integrating with popular version control systems, such as Git, SVN, and Mercurial, quite easy. Additionally, it supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it possible to develop modern web applications
While PHPStorm isn’t free, its pricing is relatively low-priced when considering its features. Moreover, you can try it for free, as a 30 days trial version.
PHPStorm is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a reliable option for developers working on different operating systems.
The pricing of a PHPStorm individual subscription costs $199 for the first year, $159 for the second year, and $119 for the third year.
// Sample code using PHPStorm auto code completion.
function display_name($name) {
echo "Your name is: " . $name;
}
$message = "John";
display_name($messsage);
Zend Studio
Zend Studio is a user-friendly commercial PHP Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from Zend Technologies. It is compatible with PHP version 5.5 and above and is widely used by developers across the globe.
The IDE provides an intuitive interface that prioritizes ease-of-use and simplicity. Its code editor supports smart code completion and real-time error detection, making it reliable. One of the highlights of Zend Studio is its debugging feature, which outperforms other PHP IDEs by offering integration with Zend Server, allowing users to identify the root cause of issues. Zend Debugger, Xdebug, and Z-ray tools can speed up the debugging process.
Zend Studio is suitable for both backend and frontend development. Its code editor supports HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, CVS, and SVN. It can be enhanced using plugins available at the Eclipse Marketplace and support for Docker makes it easier to manage container images. It also offers easy deployment on various cloud platforms, including Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Red Hat OpenShift, and others.
Zend Studio is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux with licensing options starting at $89 and going up to $670.
Komodo – A PHP IDE
Komodo by ActiveState is a popular IDE for dynamic programming languages, such as PHP. It offers extensive features that streamline the PHP development process. Komodo also supports other web development technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Laravel Blade, and Drupal. The IDE has a minimal and user-friendly UI, making it easy for developers to become more productive and develop more accurate PHP projects.
KEY FEATURES:
– Visual debugging
– Unit test writing and running with PHPUnit
– Syntax highlighting, auto code completion, code folding, and multi-window editing
– Code profiling
– Integration with version control tools like Git and CVS
– Support for customization with themes and add-ons
– Code collaboration for multiple users to work on the same doc simultaneously.
SUPPORTED PLATFORMS:
Windows, macOS, and Linux
PRICING PLANS:
Komodo offers three pricing tiers: Free, Team ($84 per month for small teams), and Enterprise (pricing varies for large teams and enterprises).
NetBeans: A Free and Open-Source Java IDE for PHP Development
NetBeans, an open-source and free Java integrated development environment (IDE), is a popular choice for coding in Java and other programming languages such as PHP, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. It offers guides, tutorials, and articles to help beginners get started on PHP development and supports various plugins like Dracula LAF for NetBeans, EasyPmd, and Git Toolbar. The IDE provides a smart code editor tool with features including code formatting, autocomplete, code refactoring, code folding, and more. Additionally, Xdebug lets you debug PHP code locally and remotely while unit tests can be written using PHPUnit and Selenium frameworks. NetBeans works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD and it is completely free to use.
Eclipse PDT
Eclipse PDT is an efficient PHP IDE that provides smart editing features, integrated web server, code formatting, Git control system, and support for Xdebug and Zend Debugger. The user interface is customizable and user-friendly. Eclipse PDT is open-source software and free to use. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. Developed by LVD Foundation, Eclipse is a popular PHP IDE that has been in existence since 2001.
Aptana Studio – PHP IDE
Aptana Studio is a popular IDE among web and software developers, known as the best PHP IDE by professionals. It is based on the Eclipse IDE and provides tools for PHP projects of any size. With the PHP plugin, you can use Aptana Studio for PHP development and benefit from smart coding assistance, an integrated debugger, and more. Aptana Studio is free and open-source, offering a built-in terminal, code formatting, error highlighting, Git integration, deployment wizard, customization options, and auto-indentation. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cloud9: An Online PHP IDE by Amazon Web Services
Cloud9 is a cloud-based PHP IDE offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), making it accessible from anywhere on any device via a web browser. This PHP IDE offers all the standard functionalities found in a typical IDE, including a built-in terminal, an integrated debugger, and customization options such as a variety of themes. It also allows for real-time collaboration with team members by sharing code. Since it is a cloud-based IDE, you don’t need to manage development tools and project files locally. Cloud9 supports all major web browsers, and pricing starts at $2 per month with the pay-as-you-go model.
Conclusion: Best PHP IDEs for Developers
Using a PHP Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can greatly benefit developers. Although it may take some time to become familiar with an IDE, the effort is worthwhile.
The top PHP IDEs are NetBeans, EclipsePDT, Aptana Studio, PHPStorm, and Zend Studio. Choose an IDE based on your specific needs. If you want essential features at no cost, choose NetBeans, EclipsePDT, or Aptana Studio. If you want advanced features and regular updates, then PHPStorm or Zend Studio are worth the investment.
The Best IDE for PHP Beginners
For beginners in PHP development, there are several IDEs available such as NetBeans, PHPStorm, and EclipsePDT. These IDEs come with detailed documentation and tutorials that make it easy for beginners to get started with them. Additionally, they offer a simple and user-friendly interface, which is easy to learn and navigate.
Best Free IDEs for PHP
There are many free and open-source IDEs available for PHP. Some of the popular ones include:
- NetBeans
- Aptana Studio
- Eclipse PDT
Consider trying out each one to determine which suits your needs and coding style the best.
Best PHP IDEs and their Features
PHP developers have various options when it comes to choosing the best IDE for development purposes. Some of the most preferred IDEs include PHPStorm, Zend Studio, NetBeans, Eclipse PDT, and Cloud9. These renowned tools are famous for providing a streamlined platform to developers by offering multiple features to enhance the PHP development lifecycle.
These IDEs come with smart code editors, enabling the quick debugging of PHP code, ensuring support for unit tests, and integration with Git version control systems. Live test server and optimal development features make these tools stand out from others, making them the best ones for PHP developers.
Main Features of PHP IDE
PHP IDEs offer crucial features like auto code completion, syntax highlighting, code refactoring, integrated debugger, and support for version control systems.
// sample code with comments
<?php
// variable declaration and assignment
$num = 10;
// check if number is even or odd
if ($num % 2 == 0) {
echo "The number is even";
} else {
echo "The number is odd";
}
?>
Additional Resources for PHP Developers:
Here are some useful resources for PHP developers, including interview questions, MCQs, salary information, and more:
