Since I decided to take the MVC approach to developing online applications in PHP (such as this one), I was looking for a framework to use. I checked out a few and finally decided on Zend Framework would be the choice for me. There are a number of reasons for this.

<ul>
<li>It seems simple and easy to learn</li>
<li>Great documentation makes learning easier</li>
<li>Highly supported by a large community of developers</li>
<li>Ticks all the boxes for features I need</li>
</ul>

I used Zend Framework 1.5 to create a few apps and then noticed that 1.6 RC1 was about, so I decided to take a look.

I’ve never really been someone who adopts something in an RC stage, however with the Zend Framework 1.6 RC1 it’s a different case. There are a few reasons I’ve chosen to start using it so soon, maybe not for production just yet but definately in a development environment. The features of 1.6 are below.

<ul>
<li>SOAP server/client</li>
<li>Paginator component</li>
<li>File Transfer component</li>
<li>Unit testing harness for components</li>
<li>ReCaptcha service</li>
<li>DoJo integration</li>
<li>New media helpers (Flash, Quicktime, Object, and Page)</li>
</ul>

I’m liking the sound of the pagination component, media helpers, and DoJo integration the most at present. This could all change by the time I’ve actually had a chance to play with it, also not being familiar with DoJo so much is going to slow that one down a little. Personally I use Prototype and Scriptaculous but I will be digging into DoJo just to use the integration.

The Zend Framework is fast becoming a VERY powerful framework for all sorts of applications, I shall see how 1.6 RC1 improves on the 1.5. My initial thoughts are that it’s slightly faster on my development server than 1.5, but that could just be me seeing things that aren’t actually there.

More to come I’m sure.

Adam

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