PHP has indeed become one of the most popular programming languages used by web developers across the globe. Backed by an impressive community of web development experts, PHP has been loaded with great tools that can suit the requirements of every type of client. It is the concept of having a good development environment that can play a vital role in effective creation of PHP websites and web applications. The process of building a PHP website is accompanied by the task of editing HTML, CSS and multiple Javascript files. Thanks to the quick availability of brilliant IDEs, it has become convenient to eliminate a lot of efforts that goes into editing code during PHP web development. In today’s post, you’ll get to know about some of the leading PHP IDEs which have made the life of developers and programmers a lot more easy and comfortable. So, let’s get on with these seven brilliant PHP IDEs.
1. Komodo ActiveState
Popularly used as an international language development environment, Komodo ActiveState is easy to install and supports all major operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. One of the best things about Komodo ActiveState IDE is that it can be easily installed using Zend PHP and Smarty PHP frameworks. Additionally, you can use Komodo ActiveState even for simulating activities in an actual web server. You can begin with CGI Environment Simulation and also go ahead with constructing web server holodeck. I recommend downloading free 21-day version of Komodo from ActiveState official website.
2. CodeLobster PHP Edition
CodeLobster is a brilliant PHP IDE which simplifies and enhances PHP development process via multiple features. Saving you from the hassles of remembering the names of arfuments, functions, tags and their related attributes, CodeLobster PHP Edition is equipped with autocomplete features for HTML, PHP, CSS and Javascript. Additionally, there is also a free built-in PHP Debuggers which allows you to validate the code locally by detecting the current server settings.
3. PHPStorm
As one of the most commendable IDEs for HTML, PHP and Javascript, PHPStorm offers qualitative facilities for PHP code editing. Key features include: fast error checking, highlighting, intensive code autocomplete and conformation of code formatting. Popular operating systems supported by PHPStorm include: Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. Moreover, you can use this PHP IDE for forming your code, running unit-tests and debugging the code.
4. Zend Studio
As a comprehensive PHP IDE available for web developers, Zend Studio comes with brilliant remote server tools and a remarkable team collaboration. Currently available in its version 12.5, Zend Studio is loaded with exciting features such as: Eclipse Ecosystem, Robust Debugging capabilities, AngularJS, Magento and Doctrine support and a lot more.
5. NetBeans
NetBeans is a brilliant PHP IDE which offers you all the required tools for becoming a PHP web development professional. Supporting all popular web technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript, NetBeans PHP IDE comes with features including PHP 5.4 support, complete adherence to web standards, stunning code editor, supports major PHP Frameworks including Zend, Symfony etc, supports Version Control and PHP Unit for testing and many more.
6. Aptana
Regarded as a universal IDE, Aptana supports a wide collection of programming languages including Python, Ruby on Rails and many more. Some of the best in-class features of Aptana IDE include: Git support, IDE customization, Integrated debugger, Terminal for fast program execution, supports FTP, SFTP, HTML5, CSS3, Javascript and many more. Available for renowned operating systems like Mac OS X, Windows and Linux, Apatana is a must-have for every web developer.
7. PHPDesigner 8
As a fast PHP IDE and PHP editor, PHPDesigner 8 is one of the finest IDEs which come with built-in CSS3, HTML5 and Javascript editors. As a PHP developer, you must not miss PHPDesigner 8 as it helps you with everything ranging from editing, analyzing and debugging to publishing the websites which run using PHP, HTML5, CSS3 and also Javascript.
Wrapping it all up
An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a hard-to-ignore tool for every web programmer. If you too are looking forward to build your career in PHP development and are searching for a top quality IDE, checking out the above mentioned list would work in your favor. So, get on now and choose your best match to deliver outstanding PHP web products.
Author Biography
Juana Steves is a senior PHP developer working with Xicom Technologies – PHP Web Development Company. In case, you are responsible to hire php developers, get in touch with her on Twitter for best assistance.
Aptana and PHP Designer aren’t updated since 2013.
I used Netbeans during years but it seems the FTP functions don’t work with Mac Os.
Great list. It is also possible to turn Sublime into an IDE by installing components for terminal and compiler. There are also some IDE that are great and should be listed here (e.g. http://www.cloudways.com/blog/top-ide-and-code-editors-php-development/ )
i used most of these tools as code editor but i like aptana and sublime text most, it it during my php development i used to prefer work on sublime text as it is so lovely light weighted tool.
Great Post Indeed Admin!
But, I would like to add more to it, There are several best PHP development tools available in the internet for free. This list includes some of the basic tools which are very useful for beginners and also includes high end tools with specific functions which are needed by the professional PHP developers. The great PHP development tools are as follows:
1.) PHP CPP
2.) SUBLIMETEXT
3.) PLATES PHP
4.) HOA
5.) XSANISTY
6.) PARSEDOWN
7.) PRETTIFIER
8.) FORP
9.) GEOCODER
10) TWIG
Note: Link ad has been removed
What do you say about Rapid PHP (http://www.rapidphpeditor.com/) ?
Hello Juana and Christoph
Nice article that describes the best list. I’ve seen so many other articles too over the web and most of them miss mentioning CodeLobster, that’s the best among all of them. Your list have them all. Thanks for sharing the article and keep up the good work.
Have a nice week ahead 🙂