PHP programming: practical tips to write cleaner, faster code
If you still think PHP is old news, try building something fast and reliable with PHP 8+ and you'll change your mind. Start with a clear setup: use Composer for dependencies, pick a framework like Laravel or Symfony only when you need it, and keep projects modular. Modular code saves time later when you add features or fix bugs.
Use strict types and modern syntax. Turn on declare(strict_types=1) and prefer typed function signatures. That small change catches bugs early and makes your code easier to read. Use null coalescing (??), match, and arrow functions where they make code shorter and clearer.
Security basics that actually help
Never trust user input. Always use prepared statements via PDO when talking to databases to stop SQL injection. Escape output for HTML with htmlspecialchars, and validate file uploads—check MIME types and store files outside the web root. Keep secrets out of code: use environment variables or a secrets manager, not committed .env files in public repos.
Enable and monitor error logs, but never show errors to users in production. Set display_errors off and log_errors on. Use a central logging tool or Sentry to catch exceptions and get alerts so you fix problems before users complain.
Speed tips that matter
Profile before you optimize. Xdebug profiling or Blackfire shows where your app spends time. Optimize the slow queries first and add caching for repeated reads. Use OPcache to cache compiled bytecode—it's standard and gives big wins. For response-level speed, use HTTP caching headers and a reverse proxy like Varnish or a CDN for static assets.
Keep database queries efficient: select only the columns you need, avoid N+1 queries by eager loading relationships, and add proper indexes. For heavy loads, consider read replicas or queue background jobs for long tasks using tools like Redis and Laravel Queues or Symfony Messenger.
Write maintainable tests. Start with unit tests for logic and add integration tests around database flows. Continuous integration that runs tests on each push saves time and prevents regressions. Use PHPUnit or Pest for clear, fast tests.
Keep dependencies trimmed. Run composer audit or similar tools to spot vulnerable packages, and update regularly. Use semantic versioning constraints to avoid surprises when libraries release breaking changes.
Finally, practice code reviews and small commits. Reviews spread knowledge, catch bugs, and teach better patterns. Small commits make rollbacks easier and history cleaner. PHP development is fast when your team follows simple, consistent rules—good tools plus clear habits beat clever hacks every time.
