Laravel Web Development · 14 June 2021
The Laravel Framework - What is it?
Laravel is an open source PHP framework for scalable, maintainable websites. Why we build with it and what that means for you.
What is the Laravel framework?
Laravel is an open source framework built to provide a scalable and maintainable framework for developing websites, from small scale to larger scale enterprise sites and systems.
When building with Laravel, the site is constructed using PHP as the primary language. Laravel functions as a structured approach around PHP, though other technologies like Vue.js, Blade, HTML and CSS are also involved. Laravel specifically shapes the backend functionality of websites.
Why use Laravel for my website?
Adopting a recognised open source framework ensures your site adheres to high standards that can be sustained and expanded by development teams consistently. This approach enables multiple developers to collaborate using standardised practices.
Custom PHP websites can be messy, unmaintainable and impossible to scale if not built with good practices in mind from the beginning. Laravel helps prevent these complications through its structured nature.
A note of caution: developer quality varies significantly, so examining a Laravel developer's previous work before engagement is prudent.
The advantage of open source software
Open source software allows broad participation in development, with consistent updates providing assurance of security and current features.
WordPress is another well-known open source platform, though it targets basic brochure websites. While accessible to non-developers through builder functionality, this flexibility sometimes results in sluggish performance or suboptimal search engine visibility. Laravel targets developers specifically as a development methodology, whereas WordPress appeals to both developers and business owners.
