Your business cannot make an impression unless its website is impressive and it is made to deliver the best user experience and this is possible only when the most prolific languages and frameworks are used in developing it. PHP is one such program that powers millions of websites and it is used by an equal number of developers as well. Using this language, it is possible to create some innovative and eye-catching designs that don’t fail in engaging the users.
In this article, we will tell you to hire PHP developers and how to make the most of this platform. But before we dig deeper into it, let’s brush up our knowledge about this program first.
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Table of Contents
Define PHP
Earlier, it was known as Personal Home Page and it is referred to as ‘hypertext preprocessor’. It is a server-side scripting language that is used in unique websites with dynamic features and high performance. It is also one of the oldest languages that are used for designing and developing websites, it has maintained its dominance for over 20 years now and provide support to 80% websites in the world currently.
The most prominent websites including Mailchimp, Tumblr, Yahoo, Flickr, WordPress, Aliexpress, Wikipedia, Facebook, and various others have been developed using this language. There are some huge benefits of PHP that cannot go unnoticed:
- Open Source: Being an open-source language means you do not require additional software or tool to use it. Furthermore, the community keeps sharing updated code libraries and other components on a frequent basis.
- Cost-effective: You don’t need to pay any sort of fee for using PHP even if it provides a wide array of integrated solutions that are worth paying for. This makes the language a very cost-effective option for every business.
- Scalability: You tweak its usage depending on the size of your website.
- Compatibility: PHP is compatible with a large number of operating systems and platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, RISC OS, UNIX, etc. It also supports a great range of web browsers and servers including Caudium, iPlanet, Netscape, Personal Web Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Apache, etc.
- Speed: It is one of the fastest scripting languages that are known for delivering quick results, it decreases the processing and loading time manifolds.
- Security: Many people think that PHP is less secure because it is free, but that’s not true, PHP is very secure for developers as well as businesses, it protects your data from any sort of cyber attack.
- Customizability: It is highly customizable and makes various features quite handy.
- Control: It helps you control the entire development process along with its features.
Use of PHP
When we talk about web development, there are several factors to determine and PHP makes all of them easier:
- Websites and web applications (server-side scripting)
- Command-line scripting
- Desktop applications (GUI)
- Let us talk about the most useful features of PHP:
- Data encryption
- Manageable user-access
- Operable files on the server (open, edit, compose, read)
- Dynamic content creation for web pages
- Working with HTML is possible
- Compatible with databases like Oracle, dBase, MySQL
- Graphic creation
- Receiving and sending of cookies
- Processing, collection, and reading of form data
What does a PHP Developer do?
The primary responsibility of a PHP developer is to create, analyze, and maintain the codes of web pages. The developer will be responsible for composing and testing the websites, applications, and other programs using PHP. He/she will also be responsible for working with additional frameworks like Joomla, CakePHP, Kohana, Symfony, Zend, Codeigniter, Yii, Laravel, etc. You can say that a PHP developer is a web developer.
The PHP developers also have to engage in problem-solving tasks and extricating the levels of complexity in the projects. At the time of hiring a PHP developer, it is essential that you pay heed to the skillset claimed by the candidates. Mentioned below is the list of skills that you must find in the developer you intent to hire:
- Understanding of OOP (object-oriented programming)
- Knowledge of CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.
- Familiarity with frameworks such as YII2, Symphony, Laravel, etc.
- Experience with control systems like Git, SVN, etc.
- Profound knowledge of JavaScript
- Well-versed with CSS and HTML
- Comfortable with databases such as MySQL/SQL
- Expertise on PHP programming language
- Hiring Process
You might think that the hiring process will be an uphill task but it is not. In comparison with developers skilled in other languages, PHP aspirants are easy to deal with. However, you will require some time and technical insight to make things clear. You also need to optimize the whole process, let us begin by breaking it down:
HR Preview: First things first, the HR has to review all the applications and select the most potential candidates on the basis of their skills or experience depending on the requisites of the project.
Interview: A comprehensive interaction to determine if the candidate is willing to work the way the company wants, other than skills, it is the behavioral issues that often thwart the progress of a project.
Technical Test: In order to be sure about the skillset of the candidates, you must conduct some rigorous tests that examine the level of knowledge and efficiency.
Decision Making: After ascertaining the skillset and willingness of the candidates, it is time to make say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the candidate. This may also have to do something with the budget of your company and has to be considered before hiring any candidate.
Interview Questions
Every question should be aimed at gauging the candidates’ technical knowledge and willingness to work. Here are technical questions that you can use for assessing the knowledge of the potential candidates appearing for the interview:
- Explain the difference between PHP7, PHP5, PHP4, PHP3?
- Name and mention all the PHP design patterns you have worked on so far
- Explain the working of PHP
- Mention the SQL injection that you can deploy in development
- Define the working of SQL
- What is MVC and how do its components function?
- Tell us about the relational database you use and why?
- What are the most prominent errors that developers make in PHP?
- What is the difference between unlink () and unset ()?
- Define the functions of require () and include() commands?
You can include some additional questions regarding testing basics, data structures, security concerns, REST, Ajax, HTTP, etc. It is recommended that you try to know the experience of the candidate working on PHP, you must ask them about their personal views on the languages including the challenges and solutions that they have come across.
Coding Task
When it comes to the task of coding, you have to pay attention to the level of qualifications and skills. Since the coding involves a high level of complexity, the developers must be able to handle things well and make the right decision in choosing the appropriate function or tool depending on the situation. You need to keep this in mind that there is absolutely no scope of imperfections in the process of coding.
If you are working with a skilled developer, you don’t need to be worried about the nuances of coding. And for getting proficient developers, you must associate with a reliable company.
Using an action platform is also suggested by various experts for finding potential developers who could deliver impactful results. Also, the aspect of keeping personal data anonymous and the implementation of privacy policy has to be determined beforehand. The use of phone numbers, skype usernames, email addresses is in practice and regarded as safe by most of the developers.
In order to be sure about the technical knowledge of candidates, you need to conduct the tests in multiple phases which are:
Algorithmic Test: It is typically a theoretical test that can be taken by anyone with the help of a questionnaire in which you can record the answer given by the candidate and get it checked by some experts later.
Multiple Choice Test: Again a theoretical test that makes things easier for the candidates with multiple options to choose from. This test can be adopted in projects in which you don’t want the level of proficiency to be too high.
Whiteboard Interview: This is certainly the test that would clear all the doubts in your mind because you would be giving an equation to solve on the board and him/her to solve it in real-time.
There are various sources available over the internet that can help you in determining the test you want to take for gauging the skillset of the candidates. The most prominent ones are the CSS Test, HTML5 Online Quiz Test, JavaScript Knowledge Test, SQL Quiz Online Test, CakePHP Test, Laravel Online Test, Joomla Quiz, Zend Test, etc. For checking the technical efficacy of the candidates, you can also employ online services like Devskiller and Interview Mocha.
Where can I find PHP developers?
Social media and job portals have been a very reliable source for finding PHP developers for various businesses across the globe. Other options include websites that provide freelance professionals such as Upwork, Toptal, StackOverflow, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, etc.
You can also become a part of special conferences and events that focus on imparting valuable information among a large number of techies are attended by PHP developers. Name of some similar events that have taken place in the past:
- International PHP Conference 2018, Berlin, June 4-8
- phpDay, Verona, May 11-12 2019
- Northeast PHP, Boston, September 19-21 2018
- CakeFest, Nashville, June 14-17 2018
- Darkmira Tour PHP, Brazil, April 14-15 2018
- Dutch PHP Conference, Amsterdam, June 7-9 2018
- Php[tek], Atlanta, May 31-June 1 2019
- PHPDetroit Conference, Detroit, July 26-28 2019
Other than the live events, you can always take the help of forums like PHP Freaks, PHP Builder, and PHP Developers Network for finding the answers to any sort of problem or query. You can also refer to online platforms and directories maintained by IT companies.
You can always zero in on the companies and freelancers if you want, you can read their reviews and make your decision based on them. Using the hubs of relevant professionals, you can create an always get impressive results and get yourself, talented developers. It has been one of the most reliable methods of finding development companies.
How about the cost of hiring a PHP developer?
If you are able to find the right company in the right place then the price won’t be a big issue. India is one such region where you can find ample techies who provide unmatched services at a very affordable price. Whatever amount you are paying to the developers of the US or Europe, you can pay just the half of it to the Indian developers and get the job done with perfection.
Quick Contact :
Call and Whatsapp any time at : +91 7014607737 | Skype : technoloader | Email: [email protected]
