Zend Framework or Symfony2

Question

I know that this question has been asked several times, but I would like to explain my position and would like that someone who has experience with both can give me a good answer for this.

I am currently working on two large projects that are dedicated and working on my own debian server. I am very experienced with PHP3 +, which means that I have always been writing PHP code with hard code since 10 years old, had my own file structure, libraries, etc. Now for these two projects I need: a) security, b) liabilty and c) easy implementation (which saves time for me).

As I understand it so far, both are a good framework. The Zend Framework is very modular, so I can basically choose which functions I want to have, please correct me if I'm wrong, and this is more “original” -PHP-oriented, which will give a good basis for a start. Symfony, on the other hand, is very community oriented and comes with a lot of stuff. I signed up for the symfony google group and get questions and answers all day. Therefore, in terms of getting support, I think that a symphony will be a choice.

Now: the structure is mainly needed for a project with a very safe area for clients, registration and intelligent functions corresponding to the database. I also need to migrate old data from an existing mysql database. I will need a couple of self-employed php, jquery and paypal api functions. (both projects are actually largely focused on payment and settlement)

Answer 1

I think it is very based on personal taste. Both structures are ideal for creating professional web applications.

I had to make the same decision about two years ago and opted for Symfony. Mostly because it’s easy to create new projects, and you can quickly create your first prototype and move forward / improve. I tried to do the same with the Zend Framework, but for me ZF refers more to “configuration”, and this part of the configuration is not immediately clear to me (but it probably improved the bundle). Indeed, I also like the Symfony community, there are many great plugins, and it has well-written documentation (at least 1.4). You can also use ZF components in Symfony. (For example, Zend_Search_Lucene).

But then again: it's about personal taste. Create a blog in Symfony and ZF and choose what works best for you. :-)

Answer 2

As you start a new project, the only objective argument in favor of Symfony that I can give you is that their next generation (PHP 5.3-oriented) structure is coming out and stable. Zend Framework 2, on the other hand, is still in operation and from what I learned is not close to being ready for production. Therefore, in this regard, Symfony2 may be the best solution in the long run.

On the other hand, you may need to learn a little harder to learn Symfony2, starting from PHP in the old days, as it will not only introduce you to programming in PHP5 OO, but also with some new PHP 5.3 concepts. You probably need to first familiarize yourself with PHP5.3. In addition, the new version is still in its infancy, the community support is already good, but it may not have the same plug-in and package support as you might find for a more established structure.

In the end, it will come down to personal preference, although, as I believe, symfony1, Symfony2 or Zend Framework 1 are valid options for a new project on this day.