Professional PHP

There is a sparse FAQ up at zend for PHP Collaboration Project. Looks like there is definitely a framework involved. (The eclipse stuff is nice, too, but my interest is in frameworks.)

Q: Describe the Zend PHP Framework. What is it and why is it needed?

A: Anyone building industrial-grade PHP applications knows there’s more to a well-designed, robust, scalable, secure PHP application than the language itself. The open source Zend PHP Framework is a body of PHP code that provides developers with the essential structure and services for an industrial-grade PHP Web application.

We also think that it’s very important this framework embody the “extreme simplicity” mindset that PHP itself exemplifies. We want to deliver a framework that helps solve developer problems and speeds development; not one that’s overly complex and heavyweight.

With this framework, PHP developers will have a big “jump start” when developing Web applications, with the ability to focus more on unique functionality and less on the plumbing and infrastructure that all applications share.

Q: Aren’t there other existing PHP frameworks? Why is this one different?

A: While there are other existing PHP frameworks, they are all either very specialized or don’t embody the “extreme simplicity” mindset I described above.

There’s a large need in the PHP community for a good, simple, but comprehensive, general-purpose framework for building robust, scalable, maintainable Web applications. By making this the initial deliverable of the PHP Collaboration Project, we can produce a framework that incorporates the best ideas from a large number of companies and individuals, while at the same time meeting the needs of most PHP developers.

So this is the announcement of the start of a project to build a framework? Not the announcement of the delivery of a framework?

I agree with their assessment of need. I’ve been saying that for a long time at SitePoint and here on this blog.

I can’t help but be reminded of a parable from The Zen of Programming:

“Curse these personal computers!” cried the novice in anger, “To make them do anything I must use three or even four editing programs. This is truly intolerable!”
The master programmer stared at the novice. “And what would you do to remedy this state of affairs?” he asked.

The novice thought for a moment. “I will design a new editing program,” he said, “a program that will replace all these others.”

Suddenly the master struck the novice on the side of his head.

“What did you do that for?” exclaimed the surprised novice.

“I have no wish to learn another editing program,” said the master.

And suddenly the novice was enlightened.

Has there ever been a framework project that didn’t promise being more “lightweight” than all the other pre-existing projects at the onset?

Being both general and extremely simple while providing a non-trivial value is very very very difficult. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be so hard to find an existing PHP framework that isn’t “overly complex and heavyweight.”

Its a worthy project with a difficult goal.

I’m looking forward to seeing more information and I’d like to help out however I can.