PHP programers - do you use frameworks?
 

I think times are changing in regards to PHP, especially when you consider developing new software / scripts. Using a good PHP framework can help you a lot with rapid application development. Many of my friends who are programmers use these frameworks, one of the most recommended is Yii framework - http://www.yiiframework.com

So my question is: what is your opinion on frameworks?

I think if chosen carefully, they can significantly increase productivity without need for strong hardware. Not speaking of changes / updates which are much easier in object oriented environment.

I build a small frame work, using oop and or functions. No need for huge overheads in my book. Then again, the speed of our development is not a problem.

It's a tool... use the right one for the job, and life is a lot simpler.

CS-Jay, yes I agree if time is not crucial building your own framework is fine.

But imagine when you create new, different kind of software often. In ideal world one CMS would handle it all, but we know such system doesn't exist. If functionality of required system is too different I think that's when other frameworks come in play.

if you are building a product, like say an entire cms, then yea, use a framework. i typically go for zend framework since i know it will always be updated. but doing a lot of Ruby on Rails makes ZF very painful.

I heard very good things about Ruby, one friend even compared to saying "once you go black, you never back" :) Shame I'm too busy, would love learn it.

yes, Ruby on Rails is the kind of thing that once you start doing, php frameworks seem tedious

If I use any I use CodeIgniter, but mostly I use PHP + Smarty only (for most of smaller projects)...

It is mandatory to use framework now.

it was always mandatory, most of us just chose to roll our own, it didnt have to be an MVC framework.

codeIgniter is pretty cool, but not my cup of tea.

What do you think of CakePhp as framework,

I made a simple project with it once, but i wanted to know if it was really usefull !

yea cake is great, i didnt like the strict restrictions on table naming conventions but it really is a great framework, easilly in the top 5

Ok thanks for your opinion !

I stick with my own custom mini-framework/structure/libraries I have built up over the years. I've looked at some of the popular frameworks out there but have yet to find any reason/advantages to use one.

Yes, and unrelated unless you fucking suck at your job and/or framework. A framework should not add enough overhead to be horribly noticed if implemented. If so, it's either your use of it, or it's own construction that failed.

frameworks are a joke, 99% of coding is handling exceptions, frameworks help zero regards with exceptions in many cases, causes more work than neccessary, this is no time saving whatsoever, unless you like unsecure poorly coded crap which seems to be the norm in todays world... why code a solid piece of software for some jerk who don't want to pay any money..so lets give em frameworks.. it does the job, when they get hacked later or they notice the 15,000 problems we will let some poor sap worry about the fixes..

oh wait, wasnt the point of frameworks to be secure? i mean 80% of the code is not even in the web root... or wait.. 90% of frameworks dont even take advantage of this? let alone stop data tampering?