A Comprehensive Guide on How to Hire PHP Developers

PHP’s versatility and ease of adaptation makes it a top choice for both beginners and experts. It is one of the most valuable and versatile web development languages today. However, you will need to hire dedicated and qualified PHP developers to create dynamic web applications with it.

As you are already aware, the market is currently flooded with PHP developers. However, finding quality PHP developers can take time and effort. Here, we’ve provided an in-depth explanation of everything that will help you find and hire the best PHP developers for your needs.

What Is PHP?

PHP is a scripting language to produce web pages and build interactive online applications. Because it is managed on the server, it is not visible to the user. It permits, among other things, the creation and modification of files on the server, restricting access to specific website pages within the larger website, information encryption, or the use of cookies.

Additionally, it permits database management, which necessitates an understanding of SQL. It is also important to note that the performance of the most recent versions of PHP is high, which impacts how quickly websites built with them load. The most widely used coding language for websites right now is PHP.

Per the RedMonk index, PHP ranked fourth amongst the commonly utilized programming language, and Stack Overflow rankings have constantly placed it among the top techs for years. Additionally, it has been used to create 80% of the top ten million websites.

Since it is made available under an open license, anybody can download it without charge and use it practically without limitations. This language has recently gained popularity in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector, where it is used to create and develop online storefronts.

It’s common to refer to PHP as a server-side language. It indicates that the visitor’s browser does not run PHP code. Instead, it is carried out on the server that has been included in the HTML before being delivered to the user.

PHP is used for:

• Message and exchange cookies
• Output HTML
• Create content for pages
• Produce images and PDFs
• Data encryption

The developers you hire should consider using a PHP framework if they wish to reduce the time spent on repetitious coding.

What Are PHP Frameworks?

A platform for developing PHP applications is known as a PHP framework. To ensure they can save time writing code from scratch, PHP frameworks provide developers with recourse to libraries for standard functionalities.

In addition to increasing productivity and effectiveness, PHP frameworks urge programmers to adhere to best practices. As an illustration, they can arrange the code by function, increasing productivity and making it simpler for your programmers to go back and address any problems that arise.

Your developers may construct more secure apps with the aid of PHP frameworks. It is due to the protections and data sanitization already in well-designed frameworks. Security concerns can be significantly reduced using these, including SQL injection attacks, cross-site programming, and cross-site request manipulation.

Let’s look at the most common PHP frameworks in 2022 now that you understand why they are crucial for developers.

Laravel

Since its debut in 2011, Laravel has become the most widely used free and open-source PHP framework. It handles complicated web apps securely and much more quickly than other frameworks. It also emphasizes developer experience and has an attractive syntax.

Additionally, by enhancing routine activities like authentication, routing, caching, and sessions, Laravel streamlines the process for developers. They can use it in conjunction with frontend JavaScript frameworks like Reactjs or Vue.js, and it also contains a PHP theme engine called Blade.

CakePHP

A popular PHP framework, CakePHP eliminates developers’ reliance on XML or YAML files to establish the framework; this simplicity in setting up the framework and using it distinguishes CakePHP from the rest. Developers need to set up their database, and then they can start building and baking.

Programmers can leverage pre-existing code in the framework’s library to create apps and APIs. Additionally, they can develop and scaffold code using CakePHP to expedite the prototype-building phase.

The Laminas Project

The Laminas Project, previously known as the Zend Project, is an enterprise-ready PHP framework that enables your developers to create APIs and apps in a matter of minutes.

The Laminas Project is ideal for programmers working on challenging projects because it includes robust features for any PHP application, such as dependency injection, event dispatchers, pagination, and input validation. Developers can select the required features based on the project or client requirements.

Symfony

Symphony is a PHP framework for programmers that is adaptable, quick, and extendable. Symfony can adjust to your developer’s needs no matter what they are. It essentially consists of a three-part framework:

• For developers who want to build complicated apps with many features, there is a Full Stack (the full version).
• For developers who would like to create a framework from the ground up with the functionality they require, there is Brick by Brick.
• Microframework for programmers who want to add a specific feature to a project.

One of the best PHP frameworks, Symfony, gives developers access to an extensive library of reusable PHP features. Any of the 50 independent components are available for them to select from when building their application.

Now that you understand the PHP programming language and the PHP frameworks developers can use to make their tasks easy, we can start discussing PHP developers.

Who Is a PHP Developer, and What Do They Do?

A PHP developer is an individual who uses a specialized programming language for developing computer programs. They prepare specific website code with it and handle data transmission between the website and its users.

PHP developers use the PHP programming language to produce web pages and build web applications. Before starting the project, they must establish the project’s aims and objectives and the hardware requirements for its execution.

Using the features of the PHP programming language, the PHP Developer then writes the application or website’s functionality in the form of algorithms. This version of the application is then tested and, if needed, corrected. Installing and running the developed program is the last step.

The duties of a PHP developer also include enhancing and changing previously developed solutions; for example, they could add new features or resolve bugs. Additionally, they are responsible for producing and maintaining documentation for specific projects.

They occasionally also write user guides or other technical documents. Working on tasks also entails collaborating with specialists from different disciplines. In addition to creating applications and websites, a PHP developer tests them and analyzes the results to generate insights.

Many PHP programmers work alone. However, some organizations demand teamwork. You must know that a big project may need several work hours from the developers. In contrast, some businesses allow programmers a great deal of flexibility in arranging their work and do not impose set hours because it is the final product that matters in this line of work.

What Are The Necessary Skills For a PHP Developer?

A PHP developer must know additional languages, including CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and HTML. Additionally, they must be familiar with SOLID and OOP tenets because they guarantee excellent program design.

A PHP developer should be well-versed in the general Internet and web development standards and have expertise in creating web applications. English language proficiency is also required in most job adverts for this field.

What Are the Soft Skills Needed By a PHP Developer?

Along with technical skills like PHP coding competence, you must look for soft skill sets when hiring PHP programmers. For instance, when recruiting PHP programmers, it’s vital to consider web programmers with strong leadership abilities, succinct and clear communication, great business and marketing knowledge, aptitude for solving problems quickly, and knowledge of the project’s requirements.

With all these skills, you can confidently hire motivated PHP programmers and be certain that you will appreciate their assistance with your startup or business.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a PHP Developer?

Salaries in the IT sector are well-known to be very competitive. One of the primary reasons people have chosen to change careers in recent times is the high PHP programmer salaries.

The employer’s budget for this purpose is essential, but so are the specialist’s qualifications, education, and role in organizational success and growth. Additionally, some programmers claim that in addition to their base pay, they receive incentives payable upon project completion or in the event of successful outcomes.

Because of this, some PHP programmers make several times as much money as the reported average for this job. So, to hire good PHP developers that can complete your project, you will need to pay at least what developers make on average.

According to Glassdoor, the average developer in the U. S. earns $88,698 annually. However, because of the disparity in economies, salaries when outsourcing are often substantially lower. For example, in comparison to developers in the U.S, a software developer in the Philippines receives an average salary of ₱457,180, or US$7800.

Why Hire PHP Developers?

The significance of the PHP programming language is easily contested. There are so many different options, so it makes sense that uncertainty might cloud your judgment. Here are some reasons to hire PHP developers that might help to end the confusion.

Fast Software

Software that is created with PHP frameworks loads quickly. It is because software created using PHP uses its memory, which speeds up the product’s loading time.

Feasible

PHP can be used for many other purposes in addition to being able to operate on any standard server. PHP makes it feasible to construct both server-side scripting and entire software.

Consider WordPress as an example. The PHP framework is used in its development as well. PHP is used in the backend when you customize your WordPress website.

Database Connectivity

PHP frameworks provide excellent database connectivity. Several database servers can be connected using this feature; the most popular and freely used one is MySQL.

Execution Is Cost-Effective

Cost-effective implementation is one of PHP’s best qualities. Since many PHP-related technologies are free and open-source, using PHP frameworks immediately lowers costs.

A High Number of PHP Developers

There are a lot of PHP programmers. Additionally, this market has many highly trained, knowledgeable, and qualified PHP developers. As a result, it is generally simple to identify and recruit PHP developers for your business.

Object-Oriented Function

The object-oriented features in PHP were first added in releases after version 5.0. By allowing OOP concepts, PHP can significantly speed up development.

Now that the benefits of hiring a PHP developer are clear, it is time to look at the steps involved in hiring a good PHP developer.

How to Hire a PHP Developer: A Step-By-Step Guide

The flexibility and simplicity of PHP development are what make it so beautiful. The project’s specifications can be scaled as your business expands. It indicates that you have flexibility regarding the project budget, coding conventions, and requirements for development.

To hire PHP developers, follow these six steps. It will help you hire tech-savvy team members who can confidently steer your company into the future.

1. Establish Why You Need a PHP Developer

Why are you considering hiring a PHP developer? Are you looking for somebody to develop an online store? Do you need assistance with WordPress’s customized element scripting?

Do you intend to upgrade from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.1 and need someone familiar with final class constraints, first-class callable syntax, and pure intersection classes?

Or are your PHP development requirements more complex, needing proficiency with object-oriented and procedural programming, an understanding of MVC-based platforms, third-party APIs, and extensive SQL skills?

The typical aims and objectives of PHP development are:

• Developing PHP-based custom software offerings
• Upgrading and integrating PHP
• CMS creation and administration
• Designing and developing MVP
• API integration, including integration of PHP cloud

Before moving forward, at the very least, plan out the details for project-based hires. Undefined projects are more likely to be misunderstood, undervalued, incorrectly completed, or never finished. Spend money and time to get it right from the beginning because starting on the wrong foot can waste both these resources.

Instead of focusing only on your immediate PHP requirements, think about what will be required in a year when hiring a PHP developer. Even though PHP may be the language you’re going for, you might find that you’re looking for a full-stack or web developer specializing in PHP.

Clear project goals enable hiring managers to precisely define project scope and budget and find the appropriate developer.

The best way to comprehend the project scope is to define a plan for the product. Consider the additions and upkeep jobs you could require once finished. The inclusion of these milestones in the roadmap establishes a disciplined approach to development and lessens confusion and hiccups.

2. Categorize

Sort your requirements into categories before hiring specialized PHP experts. Three types of PHP developers can exist depending on the skills required for a project. They are described below.

Beginner

The individual who has just started working on PHP assignments is a beginner-level PHP developer. They can be handy when creating an internal team for your company. However, they must provide seasoned industry-specific techniques when developing a website or application.

Mid-Level

You can pick this category if you’re working on a workable solution but have a limited budget. Mid-level PHP programmers have experience working on a few PHP projects and have specific technical expertise. As a result, developers who fall within this group can provide high-quality services at reasonable costs.

Expert

It is the category to consider if you need a lot of industry experience. Developers with years of expertise and skill development can systematically transform your creative ideas into powerful features. These PHP developers are the best option because they can give your business a competitive edge.

3. Create a Framework List

You must list the PHP frameworks your company needs after choosing the category. It is essential since it will be easier to look for the project development experience, skill sets, and rates you require if you know the framework you need.

A raw PHP framework is appropriate when developing software quickly to obtain early input from users. It may result in poor code readability. However, a basic framework is a good choice if you want quick and affordable PHP.

On the other hand, you can choose a Laravel framework if you’re creating a large-scale project. It offers quick app creation across many PHP hosting platforms. Additionally, a routing system, a local development engine, and other vital functionalities for complex PHP software development are provided by it.

4. Choose Between Outsourced and In-House PHP Developers

The norm has been to employ PHP developers full-time, which has many advantages. You can increase loyalty to your company, product, and branding, among other factors, and the costs are predictable and easy to manage directly. Equally beneficial to in-house PHP developers are their stable employment, opportunities for professional advancement, and additional bonuses and benefits above their base pay.

However, there are benefits to using freelancers or outsourced PHP developers over more conventional recruiting methods. Regarding being remote-friendly, the software development industry is well ahead of other sectors. You can access a large talent pool of freelance PHP programmers, minimize payroll and tax expenses, and benefit from faster hiring processes if you decide to go down this route.

5. Prepare a Compelling Job Offer

High PHP developer compensation is commonplace in the IT sector. They serve as the main entry point for many of them and other professionals when discussing potential employment. Make sure your job posting includes a wage range. If job listings don’t mention the pay you can give, many IT experts won’t even read them.

Your job offer illustrates that joining your company means getting good pay, a pleasant workplace environment, or other appealing benefits.

Research shows that the benefits that IT professionals value the most benefits are the option to work remotely, more paid holidays, flexible work schedules, and professional development. So, focus on them in your job offer.

6. Look In the Right Places and Use the Right Resources to Find the Best Candidates for the Role

Once your terms and conditions have been established and a professional advertisement has been written, it is time to broadcast it to as many PHP developers as possible. For this reason, utilize the resources provided by the Internet, and post your resume on well-known job boards.

However, most PHP developers today are already working—in a full-time or freelance capacity—and are happy in their jobs. As such, finding a suitable PHP developer position for your company can be challenging.

Here, you can take the help of specialized third-party recruitment or staff augmentation agencies that can find, vet, interview, and hire the most suitable PHP developer (s) for your company.

It is crucial to keep in mind that many hiring procedures call for more than a competitive offer and a skillfully crafted advertisement. Many excellent and seasoned PHP developers are not searching for new opportunities. They rarely search in locations where they might see your offer because they are happy with their existing job.

It is crucial to effectively communicate with these individuals, a specialty of reputable staff augmentation or recruitment companies.

Final Word

You are the best person to decide what your company should do. As you are aware, the market is flooded with PHP developers. However, finding a competent developer in most situations cannot be easy.

Try outsourcing companies, hiring networks, and freelance markets to find PHP engineers to work on your upcoming software project. If you require a PHP developer for a project or are searching for a specialist like this to join your team, get in touch with PHP development team at Programmers.io.

Before they are presented to the hiring company, programmers.io developers go through a comprehensive and transparent screening procedure.

More importantly, we place a high value on the client experience. Thus, we will only send you the first invoice if you are satisfied. Our unique value proposition makes us an excellent resource for finding and hiring PHP developers.