For building websites and apps, Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), a server-side scripting language, is the preferred choice for developers. There are many reasons for it. Its detailed documentation, readily available scripts, fully supported frameworks, and vast community sets it apart from other languages like Python and Ruby.
PHP IDE is a software platform that gives developers access to a broad set of tools for the purpose of building feature-rich PHP projects. A PHP IDE is used for coding in a particular platform. It has features to compile, debug, and automatic code execution fully integrated into these platforms.
An experienced programmer knows the value of the right IDE for generating and maintaining a high-quality codebase. But, with so many options present in the market today, choosing the Best PHP IDE is not an easy task. But here’s a roundup of the most useful ones for you.
8 Best PHP IDE to use in 2020
1. PHPStorm
This is an amazing cloud-based mobile app development platform for newbies who need not have any knowledge of coding, programming languages, and other technicalities. It has made creating an app a breeze on Android among many other platforms. The software allows the integration of social media, blogs, feeds, etc. The revisions can occur in real-time and push notifications are easily implemented.
- Supports PHP, JavaScript, Visual Basic, C++, C, and C# languages.
- Supports Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X platforms.
2. NuSphere
One of the Best PHP IDE, NuSphere PhpED, consists of an advanced PHP editor, PHP debugger, profiler, code insight, and database client. It makes the development process fast and secure for the developers. They can also improve their code through its refactoring abilities. It supports all major protocols like FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and WebDAV.
- Supports PHP, JavaScript, XML, CSS, and HTML languages.
- Supports Microsoft Windows platform
3. Zend Studio
With its optimal speed, Zend Studio saves the time and energy of developers in writing and debugging the code. The extensive set of functionalities in this PHP IDE, along with its ability to deploy applications on the cloud and other servers, makes it one of the best IDE for PHP. It effectively debugs scripts through X-ray, Xdebug, and Zend Debugger integration.
- Supports PHP, JavaScript, C++, Visual Basic, C, and C# languages.
- Supports Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux platforms.
4. Sublime Text
Apart from being an ideal PHP IDE, Sublime Text, with the help of a few plugins, can also be turned into one of the most significant text editors for developers. Features like Syntax Highlight, File Type Recognition, Auto Indentation, Macros, Plugins, and Packages facilitate its easy working with the codebase. Its custom UI toolkit helps you to navigate better symbols, words, or lines with suitable shortcuts. You can also modify any part of your code using this PHP text editor.
- Supports all major languages.
- Supports Mac OS, Linux, and Windows platforms.
5. Code Lobster
Code Lobster, developed by the PHP development company Codelobster, supports major PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, CakePHP, Magento, Joomla, among others. Using this multi-platform PHP IDE, there’s no need for developers to spend time remembering functions, attributes, arguments, and tags. It comes with an in-built PHP debugger that enables local code verification. Automatic configuration after system feature analysis is one of its specialties.
- Supports PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML languages.
- Supports Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS platforms.
6. Eclipse
One of the Best PHP IDE, Eclipse ranks among the top PHP tools that a developer can use. It provides a selection of a broad range of plugins that enables easy development as well as simplification of the PHP code.
The Auto-Completion and Code Indentation features of this PHP IDE imparts it a degree of reliability. It extends support for both GUI and non-GUI applications. As a cross-platform PHP editor, it is appropriate for large-scale projects.
- Supports a variety of languages like C, C++, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Python, R, Lasso, Haskell, COBOL, D, NATURAL, Prolog, Clojure, Fortran, Julia, Ada, ABAP, and Erlang.
- Supports Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac OS.
7. Netbeans
While compiling the list of the Best PHP IDE, Netbeans cannot be left behind. Packed with rich features and multiple language support, this open-source software is ideal for building large scale web apps. It can seamlessly work with widely used PHP frameworks like CakePHP, FuelPHP, Symfony 2, Zend, Smarty, and WordPress CMS. This is a lightweight and fast tool, supportive of all PHP development services.
- Supports PHP, C, C++, JavaScript, and HTML5 languages.
- Supports Windows, Mac OS, Solaris, and Linux platforms.
8. Aptana Studio
This open-source PHP development tool comes with an interface that can be fully customized according to user requirements. It is used in integration with server and client-side technologies like Python, CSS3, Ruby on Rails, Ruby, PHP, Python, and HTML5. Programmers can build and test applications in a single environment. It leverages Eclipse’s flexibility and consists of details regarding support range for every element in the search engines. Another feature of it includes FTP, SFTP, and IDE customization.
- Supports PHP, JavaScript, HTML, Ruby on Rails, and Ajax languages.
- Supports Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, as well as a Plugin for Eclipse.
Conclusion
This is a handpicked list of the Best PHP IDE available for developers to design innovative and engaging PHP applications and products. The outstanding functionalities and efficiencies of these PHP IDE enable the quick creation of large-scale apps and websites.
Although there are many more tools available, the ones mentioned above are sure to take care of every aspect of your project’s requirements. A custom PHP Web Application Development can be availed by leveraging trusted PHP Development Services.