Tag: CakePhp Development

Future of Open Source Technology in the Modern Market

Posted on by Jay

Open source technology is at the crux of modern software solutions. Today businesses and technology experts are employing these technologies in all aspects of web and mobile application development, cloud computing, AI and machine learning, crypto-currencies etc.

These software not only empowers collaboration and community-driven development but also offers cutting-edge solutions that drive innovation across industries.

As we delve into 2023, it’s time to explore the top technology trends that are set to redefine the way we work, communicate, and interact with the digital realm.

What is Open Source Technology?

What is Open Source Technology

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Open source technology refers to software, applications, and tools whose source code is made accessible to the public.

Unlike proprietary software these platforms encourage collaboration, transparency, and community-driven custom application development.

With these platforms anyone can view, modify, and distribute the source code, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and continuous improvement. This also fosters innovation in modern web and mobile application development.

This approach empowers developers to tailor solutions to specific needs.

Top 10 Reasons Software Developers Prefer Open Source Platforms

Top 10 Reasons Software Developers Prefer Open Source Platforms

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The platform has become the cornerstone of custom application development, attracting developers with their collaborative and transparent nature.

Here are the top 10 reasons why software developers prefer working with open source technologies:

  1. Transparency and Trust:

The projects are transparent, allowing developers to inspect the source code and understand how things work.

This transparency fosters trust and enables software developers to identify and address security vulnerabilities.

  1. Freedom to Modify:

These platforms grant developers the freedom to modify and customize software according to their specific needs. This flexibility encourages creativity and innovation.

  1. Active Community Collaboration:

These projects thrive on active and passionate communities.

Developers can collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world, learning from their expertise and contributing their skills. This further brings progressive changes to web and mobile application development.

  1. Rapid Innovation:

These technologies often evolve quickly due to contributions from a diverse group of developers.

This rapid pace of innovation keeps developers engaged and ensures that solutions stay up-to-date.

  1. Learning Opportunities:

Participating in these projects provides developers with valuable learning experiences.

They can explore new languages, frameworks, and technologies while working on real-world projects.

  1. Access to High-Quality Tools:

Many open source tools and libraries are of high quality and are maintained by dedicated contributors.

Software developers benefit from using reliable solutions that have undergone rigorous testing.

  1. Continuous Learning and Growth:

It encourages continuous learning. Developers are exposed to various coding styles, best practices, and problem-solving techniques, enhancing their skill set over time. This enables them to provide better web and mobile application development services to their clients.

  1. Exposure and Recognition:

Contributions to open source projects offer exposure and the chance to showcase one’s skills to a global audience.

This recognition can lead to job opportunities and networking within the developer community.

  1. Cost-Effective Solutions:

These platforms eliminate licensing costs, making them cost-effective for both individuals and organizations. Developers can experiment and build without financial barriers.

  1. Empowerment and Ownership:

Using these platforms empowers developers by allowing them to take ownership of their projects.

They have control over their work and can directly influence the direction of the software they use.

Top 5 Reasons Business Owners Prefer Open Source Technology

Top 5 Reasons Business Owners Prefer Open Source Technology

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This technology has gained immense popularity among business owners due to its numerous advantages that align with their strategic goals and bottom line.

Here are the top 5 reasons why business owners prefer to leverage open source technology:

  1. Cost-Effectiveness:

These solutions typically eliminate the need for expensive licensing fees. This cost savings can be significant for businesses, especially startups and small enterprises with limited budgets. This also facilitates custom web and mobile application development agencies to provide tailored solutions to their customers.

  1. Customizability:

These technologies facilitate custom application development according to specific business needs. This adaptability ensures that solutions align closely with business processes and requirements.

  1. Reduced Vendor Lock-In:

Business owners are wary of becoming dependent on a single vendor. These software reduces vendor lock-in, allowing businesses to switch providers or modify solutions without proprietary constraints.

  1. Scalability and Performance:

These solutions can be scaled to meet growing business demands. The flexibility of these technologies ensures that performance can be optimized to accommodate increased usage.

  1. Continuous Improvement:

With contributions from a global community, open source software development experiences continuous improvement. Businesses benefit from updates and enhancements that keep their technology stack relevant.

Top Open Source Web Development Technologies

 

 

Top Open Source Web Development Technologies

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Cake PHP:

CakePHP framework is built on PHP that simplifies and accelerates custom application development. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern and provides tools for building robust, maintainable applications.

  • Rapid Development:
    CakePHP’s convention over configuration approach speeds up the development process by minimizing repetitive tasks and reducing manual coding.
  • Built-in Security:
    CakePHP custom application development facilitates built-in security features like SQL injection prevention and cross-site scripting (XSS) protection, ensuring safer applications.
  • Scaffolding:
    Its scaffolding feature generates basic CRUD functionality automatically, enabling developers to quickly build database-driven applications.
  • Active Community:
    CakePHP development has an active community that provides support, plugins, and resources, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem.

Ruby on Rails:

Ruby on Rails is a popular web application framework written in Ruby. It’s known for its elegant syntax and follows the MVC architecture. Rails makes it easy to develop scalable and maintainable web applications.

  • Productivity:
    Ruby on Rails development emphasizes “Convention over Configuration” and “Don’t Repeat Yourself,” leading to faster development with less code.
  • Rapid Prototyping:
    Rails’ scaffolding and intuitive syntax enable developers to create prototypes quickly, facilitating client feedback and iterative development.
  • Testing Frameworks:
    Rails development includes testing tools like RSpec and Capybara, promoting test-driven development and ensuring robust code quality.
  • Active Community:
    A strong community offers abundant resources, gems (libraries), and plugins that extend Rails’ functionality.

Magento:

Magento is an open source e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create powerful online stores. It offers a range of features for managing products, orders, payments, and customer interactions.

  • E-commerce Features:
    Magento development provides comprehensive e-commerce functionalities, including inventory management, order processing, and customizable product catalogs.
  • Flexibility:
    Its modular architecture allows businesses to extend and customize features to match their unique business requirements.
  • Scalability:
    Magento eCommerce platform is built to handle large online stores and high traffic volumes, making it suitable for enterprises and growing businesses.
  • Multi-Store Capabilities: Businesses can manage multiple online stores from a single backend, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
  • SEO-Friendly:
    Magento development includes features like URL rewrites, sitemaps, and metadata settings to optimize online stores for search engines.

WordPress:

WordPress is an open source content management system (CMS) that powers a significant portion of the internet. It’s used for creating blogs, websites, and even e-commerce stores through its various plugins and themes.

  • User-Friendly Interface:
    WordPress offers an intuitive dashboard and content editor that makes it accessible to non-technical users, enabling them to manage websites easily.
  • Plugin Ecosystem:
    The vast library of plugins allows businesses to add features like e-commerce, SEO optimization, marketing plugins and social media integration.
  • Themes and Customization:
    A wide range of themes and customization options cater to different design preferences, enabling businesses to create unique websites.
  • Community Support:
    A large and active community provides help, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting and enhancing WordPress websites.
  • SEO Benefits:
    WordPress development offers SEO-friendly features like clean URLs, meta tags, and responsive designs, contributing to better search engine rankings.

VueJS:

VueJS is a progressive JavaScript framework used for building user interfaces. It’s particularly suitable for creating single-page applications (SPAs) and interactive components within larger projects.

  • Progressive Framework:
    VueJS framework is designed to be incrementally adoptable, allowing developers to integrate it into existing projects without a steep learning curve.
  • Component-Based:
    Its component-based architecture encourages code reusability, making it easier to manage complex user interfaces.
  • Performance:
    VueJS custom application development uses a virtual DOM and efficient update mechanisms, resulting in fast rendering and better user experience.
  • Flexibility:
    VueJS can be used for building small interactive components or full single-page applications, adapting to various project scopes.

ReactJS:

ReactJS is another popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, developed by Facebook. It excels at creating dynamic and responsive web applications, especially SPAs. It also facilitates in creating SEO optimized websites.

  • Virtual DOM:
    React framework features virtual DOM optimizes updates by only rendering the necessary changes, leading to faster performance and better user experience.
  • Reusability:
    Component-based web and mobile application development encourages reusing components across different parts of an application, saving time and effort.
  • Large Community:
    React custom application development has a vast community, providing extensive documentation, libraries, and resources for learning and troubleshooting.
  • React Native: React’s sibling framework, React Native, allows developers to build native mobile apps using similar codebases, promoting code reuse.

AngularJS:

AngularJS framework is developed by Google for building dynamic web and mobile application development platforms. It provides tools for creating complex UIs, managing data, and handling routing.

  • Two-Way Data Binding: AngularJS development features two-way data binding which simplifies synchronization between the UI and data models, enhancing user interactions.
  • Dependency Injection: AngularJS framework dependency injection feature promotes modular and testable code by managing component dependencies.
  • Directives: Custom directives allow developers to create reusable UI components and enhance code maintainability.
  • MVC Architecture: AngularJS web and mobile application development follows the Model-View-Controller pattern, enabling clean separation of concerns and organized code structure.
  • Localization: AngularJS supports internationalisation and localization, making it easier to create applications that cater to different languages and regions.

JavaScript:

JavaScript is a versatile scripting language used for building interactive and dynamic web pages. It’s an essential technology for front-end development and enables client-side scripting.

  • Universal Language:
    JavaScript development is a core technology of the web, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and enabling interactive user experiences.
  • Client-Side Interactivity:
    JavaScript allows developers to create dynamic and interactive web pages, enhancing user engagement.
  • Vast Ecosystem:
    A rich ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools extends JavaScript’s capabilities, catering to various development needs.
  • Asynchronous Programming:
    JavaScript has an asynchronous nature allowing non-blocking operations, improving application performance and responsiveness.
  • Community and Resources:
    A thriving community offers tutorials, documentation, and support, making it easier for developers to learn and troubleshoot.

NextJS:

NextJS is a React framework that simplifies server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG). It enhances React applications with optimized performance and SEO benefits.

  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR):
    NextJS custom application development supports SSR, improving page load times, SEO, and providing a better user experience.
  • Automatic Code Splitting:
    NextJS framework automatically splits code based on routes, optimizing initial page loads and improving application performance.
  • Static Site Generation (SSG):
    The React framework offers SSG for generating static HTML files, enhancing performance and reducing server load.
  • Built-in Routing:
    NextJS provides routing out of the box, simplifying navigation between pages and improving overall user experience.
  • Developer Experience:
    NextJS simplifies web application development by handling many optimizations and configurations, allowing developers to focus on building features.

NuxtJS:

NuxtJS is a framework for creating VueJS applications with server-side rendering and static site generation. It streamlines the development process and optimizes Vue applications for performance.

  • js Integration:
    NuxtJS framework is designed for Vue.js applications, providing server-side rendering and other optimizations for Vue projects.
  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR):
    NuxtJS web and mobile application development supports SSR, leading to better SEO, faster page loads, and improved performance.
  • Static Site Generation (SSG):
    The framework offers SSG, allowing developers to generate static HTML files for enhanced performance and SEO.
  • Automatic Routing:
    NuxtJS custom application development provides automatic route generation based on the file structure, streamlining navigation within the application.
  • Extensive Plugins:
    NuxtJS development includes a variety of plugins for tasks like handling APIs, server configurations, and more, simplifying development.

Python:

Python is a versatile programming language used for various applications, including web and mobile application development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing.

  • Readable Syntax:
    Python development features clear and readable syntax which reduces the complexity of code, making it easier to understand and maintain.
  • Versatility:
    Python can be used for web development, data analysis, machine learning, scientific computing, and more, offering a wide range of applications.
  • Rich Libraries:
    Python has extensive libraries and frameworks like NumPy, pandas, and TensorFlow accelerate development and problem-solving.
  • Community and Resources:
    Python development has a supportive community, offering extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums for learning and assistance.
  • Integration:
    Python can be easily integrated with other languages and technologies, enhancing its adaptability and expanding its capabilities.

Laravel:

Laravel is a PHP web framework that focuses on developer productivity and elegant syntax. It simplifies common tasks like authentication, routing, caching, and database management.

  • Elegant Syntax:
    Laravel framework features clean and expressive syntax that simplifies coding tasks, enhancing developer productivity and code maintainability.
  • Built-in Features:
    Laravel development offers built-in features for authentication, routing, caching, and more, speeding up the web and mobile application development process without reinventing the wheel.
  • Eloquent ORM: Laravel features Eloquent ORM simplifies database interactions and enables developers to work with databases using object-oriented syntax.
  • Lively Community:
    Laravel development has a lively community that contributes packages (Laravel Packages) and provides support, tutorials, and resources.
  • Security:
    Laravel framework incorporates security best practices, protecting applications from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.

NodeJS:

NodeJS is a JavaScript runtime that allows developers to build server-side applications using JavaScript. It’s particularly suitable for building scalable and real-time applications.

  • Asynchronous Nature:
    It features a non-blocking I/O model that allows handling multiple concurrent connections efficiently, enhancing application responsiveness.
  • Large Package Ecosystem:
    NodeJS package manager, npm, provides access to a vast library of modules, saving development time.
  • Scalability:
    It is designed for building scalable network applications, making it suitable for handling large numbers of simultaneous connections.
  • Real-time Applications:
    It is well-suited for building real-time applications like chat applications, online gaming, and collaborative tools.  It’s possible to use NodeJS chat sdk to integrate chat function in an existing app
  • JavaScript Everywhere:
    It enables using JavaScript for both front-end and back-end application development, promoting code reuse and consistency.

Top Open Source Mobile app Development Technologies

The landscape of mobile app development platforms is vibrant, offering various options for developers to create powerful and customizable mobile applications.

Here are the top mobile app development platforms:

Flutter:

Developed by: Google

Flutter is an open source UI software development kit (SDK) that allows developers to create natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase.

Benefits

  • Single Codebase, Multiple Platforms:
    Flutter enables developers to create apps for multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web, desktop) using a single codebase, saving time and effort.
  • Expressive UI:
    Flutter’s pre-designed widgets offer a wide range of customizable options, allowing developers to create visually appealing and consistent user interfaces.
  • Hot Reload:
    The “hot reload” feature in Flutter speeds up mobile application development by allowing real-time code changes, instantly reflecting the modifications in the app.
  • High Performance:
    Flutter compiles to native ARM code, resulting in high performance and smooth animations, giving users a native-like experience.
  • Strong Community:
    The Flutter development community is active and growing, offering extensive documentation, packages, and resources to aid developers in their projects.

React Native:

Developed by: Facebook

React Native is an framework that lets developers build mobile apps using JavaScript and React. It allows for the creation of native-like apps for both iOS and Android platforms.

Benefits

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility:
    React Native framework allows developers to create apps that work on both iOS and Android platforms with a single codebase.
  • Native Components:
    React Native framework components are translated into native UI components, providing an authentic look and feel for users.
  • Reuse Web Development Skills:
    Developers familiar with React can leverage their existing skills to create mobile apps, reducing the learning curve.
  • Efficient Updates:
    With over-the-air updates, developers can push updates directly to users without requiring them to download new versions from app stores.
  • Vibrant Ecosystem:
    React Native development boasts a large ecosystem of third-party packages, making it easy to integrate various functionalities into the app.

Apache Cordova (Formerly PhoneGap):

Developed by: Adobe Systems (Contributed to Apache Software Foundation)

Apache Cordova is a platform that allows developers to create mobile apps using web technologies and package them as native apps for various platforms.

Benefits

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility:
    Cordova framework allows developers to create apps that run on multiple platforms with a single codebase, reducing development effort.
  • Access to Device APIs:
    Cordova development provides access to device features like camera, geolocation, and sensors through JavaScript APIs, enabling app functionality.
  • Web Development Skills:
    Developers familiar with web technologies can transition into mobile application development without the need to learn native languages.
  • Fast Iteration:
    The framework enables fast development cycle enables quick iterations and updates, ensuring a faster time-to-market for apps.
  • Hybrid Approach:
    Cordova combines the convenience of web development with native capabilities, making it suitable for apps that require a mix of both.

Top Open Source Project Management Softwares

Orangescrum:

  • Task and Resource Management:
    Orangescrum offers robust task management features, allowing teams to create, assign, and track tasks efficiently. Resource management features help allocate work effectively.
  • Time Tracking:
    The software includes time tracking functionality, enabling teams to monitor how much time is spent on various tasks and projects.
  • Collaboration Tools:
    Orangescrum Open Source offers collaboration features like discussions, comments, file sharing, and email notifications to keep team members informed and engaged.
  • Gantt Charts:
    Gantt charts help visualize project timelines, task dependencies, and milestones, facilitating better project planning and management.
  • Customization:
    Orangescrum allows users to customize fields, workflows, and templates according to their specific project needs.

OpenProject:

  • Agile Planning:
    OpenProject supports Agile methodologies, providing tools for backlog management, sprint planning, and user story mapping.
  • Document Management:
    The open source project management software includes document management features, allowing teams to store, share, and collaborate on project-related documents.
  • Gantt Charts:
    Gantt charts enable teams to create and visualize project schedules, dependencies, and progress.
  • Collaboration and Discussions:
    OpenProject offers discussion boards and forums to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Time Tracking:
    OpenProject supports time tracking, helping teams monitor effort spent on tasks and improving resource allocation.

Taiga:

  • Agile Features:
    Taiga is designed for Agile project management, providing tools for backlog management, sprint planning, and task tracking.
  • Kanban Boards:
    Kanban boards help visualize and manage work items, making it easier for teams to track progress and prioritize tasks.
  • User Story Mapping:
    Taiga supports user story mapping, allowing teams to define and visualize user requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Custom Workflows:
    Teams can customize workflows to match their processes, ensuring that work items progress through the appropriate stages.
  • Integrations:
    Taiga integrates with various third-party tools, enabling teams to connect their favorite tools and enhance their project management processes.

What is the Future of Open Source Web Development?

  • Responsive and Mobile-First Design:
    With the majority of internet users accessing websites from mobile devices, responsive and mobile-first design approaches were crucial. Websites were being designed and optimized for seamless experiences across various screen sizes.
  • Progressive Web Apps (PWAs):
    Progressive web apps continued to gain popularity due to their ability to provide a native app-like experience in web browsers. They offered faster loading, offline access, and push notifications, enhancing user engagement.
  • Single Page Applications (SPAs):
    SPAs, powered by frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, were on the rise. They offered smoother user interactions by loading only the necessary content and data, resulting in faster page rendering.
  • Serverless Architecture:
    Serverless computing allowed developers to focus solely on writing code without managing server infrastructure. Services like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions enabled cost-effective and scalable applications.
  • JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries:
    JavaScript remained a cornerstone of custom application development. Frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and VueJS empowered developers to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
  • WebAssembly (Wasm):
    WebAssembly, a binary instruction format for the web, enabled near-native performance in web applications. It allowed developers to run code written in multiple languages in browsers at high speeds.
  • API-First Development:
    APIs played a central role in custom application development, enabling data exchange between applications and services. API-first approaches facilitated front-end and back-end development independence.
  • Motion UI and Microinteractions:
    Web designers were leveraging motion UI and microinteractions to enhance user experience. Subtle animations and interactions added personality and engagement to websites.
  • Accessibility (A11y):
    Web accessibility gained prominence, with developers focusing on creating websites that are usable by people with disabilities. This involved adhering to web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) and ensuring inclusivity.
  • Cybersecurity and Privacy:
    As data breaches and privacy concerns increased, cybersecurity became a top priority. Developers were adopting secure coding practices, using HTTPS, and complying with data protection regulations.

Conclusion

Open source technology is a dynamic force that has shaped our present and will undoubtedly shape our future. The collaborative spirit, innovation, and accessibility will continue to propel us toward new frontiers.

As we navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, one thing remains clear: the journey of these technologies is an ongoing saga of creativity, inclusivity, and endless possibilities. The future is open, and it’s brighter than ever before.

Top development companies focus on employing open source technology to be best able to meet their customer needs.

It gives web and mobile application development companies the coding freedom to craft stunning solutions for their vast customer base.

FAQs

  1. Can I use open source web development technologies for commercial projects?

Yes, you can typically use open source web and mobile application development technologies for commercial projects. Most of these technologies come with licenses that allow you to use, modify, and distribute the software freely, including for commercial purposes.

  1. How do I choose the right open source web development technology for my project?

Choosing the right custom application development technology depends on various factors. Consider the project’s requirements, such as functionality, scalability, and performance. Assess the technology’s documentation, community support, and active development.

It’s often a good idea to experiment with different options and seek advice from experienced developers or communities.

  1. Are open source web development technologies secure?

These web and mobile application development technologies can be secure when maintained properly. These projects often have large and active communities that contribute to security audits, bug fixes, and updates.

To ensure security, keep your technologies up to date, follow best security practices, and monitor official security advisories. Engaging with the community and contributing to security discussions can also help enhance the overall security of projects.

How to Develop a Highly Engaging Ecommerce Store Using CakePHP

Posted on by Anurag Pattnaik

The world of eCommerce business is evolving at a rapid pace. Business owners can choose from various technologies to develop their online store.

However, with the availability of open source technology, CakePHP eCommerce development is on the rise.

With its robust features and flexibility, CakePHP stands out as a reliable framework for developing dynamic and efficient eCommerce websites.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of developing eCommerce web apps using CakePHP framework.

“CakePHP offers a well-structured and organized framework that streamlines development. It’s impressive how it balances ease of use with powerful features.”

                    Matt Mullenweg, Founder of WordPress

Why Developers Choose CakePHP for eCommerce Development?

Choosing the right framework for developing an eCommerce app is crucial for ensuring efficiency, scalability, and maintainability.

CakePHP is one of the best frameworks for eCommerce app development due to its numerous advantages and little disadvantages.

Here are the top 10 reasons to consider CakePHP for your eCommerce app:

  1. Rapid Development:

CakePHP follows the convention over configuration (CoC) principle, reducing the need for manual setup.

This accelerates development by providing pre-defined conventions and tools, enabling developers to focus on building features rather than writing boilerplate code.

  1. MVC Architecture:

CakePHP development facilitates Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture which promotes a clear separation of concerns.

This allows CakePHP developers to work on different aspects of the app independently, enhancing code organization and maintainability.

  1. Code Reusability:

CakePHP emphasizes reusable components and plugins.

This is invaluable in eCommerce development, where features like shopping carts, payment gateways, and user authentication can be developed once and integrated across the app.

  1. Security Features:

CakePHP integrates security practices by default, helping to mitigate common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

It also provides tools for handling input validation and form tampering protection.

  1. ORM and Database Abstraction:

CakePHP’s Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system simplifies database interactions.

Developers work with PHP objects instead of SQL queries, reducing the risk of errors and improving code readability.

  1. Built-in Validation:

CakePHP application development facilitates built-in validation methods, making it easier to enforce data integrity and validate user inputs.

This is crucial for maintaining accurate product information and ensuring a smooth checkout process in an eCommerce app.

  1. Community and Documentation:

The framework boasts an active and supportive community.

The official documentation is comprehensive, making it easier to learn the framework, troubleshoot issues, and stay up-to-date with best practices.

  1. Plugin Ecosystem:

The CakePHP plugin ecosystem offers a wide range of ready-made solutions for common eCommerce functionalities.

This saves development time and effort by allowing you to integrate existing plugins for features like user management, payment gateways, and SEO optimization.

  1. Flexible Theming:

eCommerce apps require appealing and responsive designs.

CakePHP’s theming capabilities allow you to separate design and logic, making it easy to create visually engaging and user-friendly storefronts.

  1. Scalability and Performance:

Its well-structured architecture and caching mechanisms contribute to improved performance and scalability.

As your eCommerce app grows, CakePHP programmers help maintain a high level of performance without sacrificing user experience.

 “CakePHP has played a significant role in shaping modern PHP frameworks. Its conventions and code generation tools have been an inspiration for frameworks like Laravel.”

                                                                                                               Taylor Otwell, Creator of Laravel

Why Do Business Owners Choose CakePHP for eCommerce Development?

  1. Cost-Effective:

eCommerce Business owners appreciate CakePHP for its cost-effectiveness.

The framework’s open-source nature means that there are no licensing fees, making it a suitable choice for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.

Additionally, the rapid development capabilities enable CakePHP developers with shorter development cycles, reducing overall development costs.

  1. Providing Customized User Experience:

It empowers business owners to create a tailored user experience for their customers.

The framework’s flexibility allows developers to build customized features and functionalities that align with the business’s unique needs and latest ecommerce trends.

Whether it’s a dynamic product catalog, personalized recommendations, or interactive user interfaces, CakePHP programmers make it possible to craft a user-centric experience.

  1. Strong Security:

Security is paramount in today’s digital landscape, especially for businesses handling sensitive customer data.

CakePHP’s built-in security features, including input validation, data sanitization, and protection against common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS), provide a strong foundation for developing secure eCommerce applications.

  1. Community Support:

The CakePHP community is vibrant and active, offering a wealth of resources and support to business owners and developers alike.

With an extensive documentation repository, forums, tutorials, and user-contributed plugins, business owners can tap into a network of expertise to troubleshoot issues, share insights, and continuously improve their applications.

  1. Analytics:

Business owners understand the importance of data-driven decision-making.

CakePHP’s integration capabilities with analytics tools enable businesses to gather valuable insights into user behavior, sales trends, and other key metrics.

By leveraging analytics, business owners can refine their strategies and optimize their web applications for better performance.

“CakePHP’s architecture promotes scalability and maintainability. It’s reassuring to see a framework that values clean code and sensible defaults.”

                                                                             Jeffrey Zeldman, Web Designer and Entrepreneur

What are the Modules to Include While Developing an eCommerce Store?

What are the modules to include while developing an eCommerce Store

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Let’s delve deeper into each of the modules to include in a CakePHP eCommerce development:

  1. Admin Panel:

The admin panel is the command center of your eCommerce site, where administrators and store managers control various aspects of the store’s operations.

Using CakePHP, you can create an admin panel that allows authorized users to perform tasks like managing products, orders, customers, and more.

Implement authentication and authorization to ensure only authorized personnel access the admin functionalities.

  1. Product Management:

Product management is essential for adding, editing, and updating the products available in your store’s inventory.

With CakePHP web app development, you can create a user-friendly interface in the admin panel that allows administrators to add new products, edit existing ones, set prices, add images, and manage product descriptions.

  1. Categories Management:

Categories help organize products and make navigation easier for customers. Using CakePHP, you can design a module that lets administrators create, edit, and delete product categories.

Each category can have a name, description, and possibly an image to visually represent it.

  1. Product Attributes:

Product attributes define specific characteristics of a product, such as size, colour, and material.

In CakePHP ecommerce development, you can develop a system where administrators can define attributes and values for each product, enhancing the customization options for customers.

  1. Retailers:

If your eCommerce store involves partnerships with retailers, you can develop a module to manage retailer information.

This could include retailer profiles, contact details, product distribution, and orders associated with specific retailers.

  1. Orders Management:

This module handles the processing of customer orders. Administrators can view, update, and fulfil orders using the admin panel.

CakePHP can help you create an intuitive order management system that provides real-time order tracking and communication with customers regarding their orders.

  1. Coupon Codes Facility:

Creating and managing coupon codes is a great way to offer discounts and promotions to customers.

Using CakePHP, you can build a coupon code management module that allows administrators to generate, set conditions for, and track the usage of coupon codes.

  1. Shipping Modules for Delivery Rates:

Developing a shipping module involves integrating with shipping carriers to calculate accurate shipping rates based on factors like destination, weight, and shipping method.

In CakePHP development, you can implement a shipping module that fetches real-time shipping rates from carriers’ APIs and presents them to customers during checkout.

  1. Customers Management:

This module deals with customer profiles and information.

Administrators can manage customer accounts, view their order history, update contact details, and address any customer inquiries or issues.

  1. General Enquiries Module:

For customer inquiries that don’t necessarily fall under orders or products, you can develop a module to handle general enquiries.

Customers can submit questions or concerns, and administrators can respond and manage these inquiries from the admin panel.

  1. User Management:

Apart from customers, your site might have different user roles like administrators, store managers, and customer support.

CakePHP development features authentication and authorization capabilities which allow developers to manage user roles and access permissions effectively.

  1. Front Store:

The front store is the public-facing part of your website where customers browse and shop for products.

Using CakePHP, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that showcases products, categories, and special offers.

  1. Products Display:

This module displays products on the front store, allowing customers to browse and search through the product catalog.

Implement pagination and filtering options to enhance the shopping experience.

  1. Product Detail Page:

When a customer selects a product, they’re directed to the product detail page.

This page provides in-depth information about the product, including images, descriptions, prices, attributes, and customer reviews.

  1. Shopping Cart Management:

The shopping cart module keeps track of the items customers have added for purchase.

With CakePHP, you can create a dynamic shopping cart that allows customers to add, remove, and update quantities of products before proceeding to checkout.

  1. Checkout:

The checkout module guides customers through the final steps of purchasing.

It collects shipping and billing information, offers shipping options, and presents the order summary before payment.

  1. Payment via PayPal:

CakePHP enables you to integrate payment gateways like PayPal.

The PayPal integration module handles secure payment processing, ensuring customer payment information is handled safely and transactions are completed seamlessly.

  1. Order Management:

On the customer side, order management lets users view their order history, track order statuses, and possibly request returns or refunds.

On the admin side, this module enables administrators to process orders, update statuses, and communicate with customers regarding their orders.

 

“As a developer, CakePHP has been a reliable tool for building robust applications quickly. The framework’s commitment to following best practices sets a high standard for PHP development.”

Rachel Andrew, Web Developer and Co-Founder of Perch CMS

What are the Challenges of Using CakePHP for eCommerce?

  1. Steep Learning Curve:

CakePHP development has a structured and convention-based approach, which can result in a steeper learning curve for developers who are new to the framework.

Learning and adhering to CakePHP’s conventions might take time initially, especially if developers are accustomed to different coding patterns.

  1. Limited Flexibility for Complex Customizations:

While CakePHP’s conventions can speed up development, they may limit flexibility when dealing with highly complex customizations.

In scenarios where unique and unconventional features are required, working within the framework’s conventions might become challenging.

  1. Performance Overhead:

While CakePHP offers caching mechanisms and performance optimization tools, some applications may experience performance overhead, especially under heavy loads.

Fine-tuning the application’s performance might require additional effort.

  1. Smaller Community Compared to Other Frameworks:

While the CakePHP community is active and supportive, it may not be as extensive as some other popular PHP frameworks.

This could mean that finding solutions to less common issues might take more time or rely more on self-guided exploration.

  1. Dependency on Updates:

Keeping the framework up-to-date is important for security and performance reasons.

However, updates to CakePHP might require adjustments to your application, particularly if it relies on certain features or plugins that have undergone changes.

What are the Steps to Develop eCommerce using CakePHP?

What are the Steps to Develop eCommerce using CakePHP

(Image source: www.iflair.com)

Step 1: Setting the Foundation

Environment Setup:
Ensure you have PHP and a web server (like Apache) installed on your machine. Additionally, download and install Composer, a PHP dependency manager, to easily integrate libraries and plugins.

CakePHP Installation:
Use Composer to install CakePHP by running the command composer create-project –prefer-dist cakephp/app my_store.

Step 2: Database Configuration

Database Creation:
Create a new database for your eCommerce store using tools like phpMyAdmin or the command line.

Configuration:
Configure your database settings in config/app.php under the ‘Datasources‘ array.

Creating Tables:
Use CakePHP’s powerful schema generation tools to create your database tables. Run the command bin/cake bake migration CreateProducts to create a migration file.
Modify the migration file to define your product fields, then run bin/cake migrations to apply the changes to the database.

Step 3: Designing Your Store

Layouts and Views:
CakePHP uses a template system that separates logic from presentation. Create layout templates and views for your store’s pages, like the homepage, product listing, and product details.

Adding Styles and Assets:
Integrate CSS frameworks like Bootstrap to enhance the visual appeal of your store. Utilize CakePHP’s asset management to efficiently load CSS, JavaScript, and image files.

Step 4: Implementing eCommerce Features

Adding Products:
Create a controller and views to handle product management. Use CakePHP’s FormHelper for creating forms to add new products.

Product Listing:
Display products dynamically using CakePHP’s query builder to retrieve data from the database. Implement pagination to manage large product catalogs.

Shopping Cart:
Build a shopping cart system using sessions or database storage to keep track of selected products. Allow users to add, remove, and adjust quantities of items in their cart.

Checkout Process:
Design a multi-step checkout process. Implement form validation and user authentication for a seamless purchasing experience.

Payment Integration:
Integrate payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe to securely process payments. Leverage CakePHP’s plugin ecosystem to simplify the integration process.

Step 5: User Management

User Registration and Login:
Create user authentication using CakePHP’s built-in tools or third-party plugins. Allow users to register accounts and log in securely.

Step 6: Security and Performance

Data Validation:
Utilize CakePHP’s validation features to ensure data integrity and prevent malicious input.

Security Measures:
Implement security best practices like CSRF protection, input sanitation, and secure authentication to safeguard user data.

Step 7: Testing and Deployment

Unit Testing:
CakePHP comes with testing tools. Write unit tests to ensure the functionality of your application.

Deployment:
Choose a reliable hosting provider and deploy your application. Configure your server to meet CakePHP’s requirements.

Cal Evans, PHP Community Advocate:

“CakePHP’s influence on the PHP community has been undeniable. It’s contributed to the advancement of PHP frameworks and has helped developers produce quality code.”

Top Things to Consider when Hiring CakePHP Developers for eCommerce Development

Expertise and Experience:

Look for a CakePHP development company with expertise in the framework particularly for eCommerce projects.

Review their portfolio to assess the complexity and quality of their previous work. Experience in creating custom eCommerce solutions is essential to ensure that your specific needs are met.

eCommerce Domain Knowledge:

An understanding of eCommerce nuances is vital.

Ensure that the CakePHP development agency is familiar with eCommerce processes such as product management, cart functionality, payment gateways, shipping, and order processing.

Their experience in developing user-friendly and conversion-focused eCommerce experiences is crucial.

Technical Proficiency:

Verify the company’s technical expertise in CakePHP, as well as other related technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and database management.

Their ability to integrate third-party APIs and tools, such as payment gateways and analytics, is also important.

Customization Capabilities:

eCommerce websites often require unique features. Assess the company’s ability to customize CakePHP applications according to your business requirements.

They should be able to strike a balance between using CakePHP’s conventions and implementing tailor-made solutions.

Security Practices:

Given that eCommerce sites handle sensitive customer data, security is paramount.

Inquire about the company’s approach to security, including measures to prevent vulnerabilities, protect customer information, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Quality Assurance and Testing:

A reputable development company should have a rigorous quality assurance process in place.

Ask about their testing methodologies, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing, to ensure a bug-free and reliable eCommerce application.

Communication and Collaboration:

Effective communication is key to a successful project.

Ensure that the company maintains open lines of communication and is responsive to your queries.

Look for their ability to collaborate with your team, share progress updates, and discuss project milestones.

Scalability and Performance:

As your eCommerce business grows, your website needs to scale efficiently.

Discuss the company’s approach to ensuring optimal performance, handling increased traffic, and maintaining a seamless user experience as your store expands.

Project Management and Timeline:

A well-organized project management approach is crucial for meeting deadlines.

Understand how the CakePHP development company plans and manages projects, including how they handle milestones, iterations, and client feedback.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance:

A reliable CakePHP development company should provide ongoing support after the project’s launch.

Inquire about their post-launch services, including bug fixes, updates, and technical support.

Client References and Testimonials:

Request references from previous clients and read testimonials to gain insights into the company’s work ethics, communication, and the overall client experience.

Cost and Budget Alignment:

While cost should not be the sole factor, ensure that the company’s pricing aligns with your budget.

Discuss the project scope, pricing structure, and any potential additional costs.

Phil Sturgeon, API Design Expert and Developer Advocate:

“CakePHP has continuously evolved to meet the demands of modern web development. Its focus on conventions and reusability has made it a favorite among developers.”

Who are the top 5 CakePHP Development Companies in the World?

Andolasoft:

Andolasoft Logo

Andolasoft is a software development company known for its expertise in CakePHP eCommerce development.

Apart from CakePHP the company offers web, mobile and cloud development services using a wide range of technologies.

The company has technology expertise on PHP, Python, Laravel, NodeJS, Ruby on Rails, VueJS, ReactJS, AngularJS, JavaScript etc.

With a focus on innovation and client satisfaction, Andolasoft has delivered solutions across various industries, helping businesses achieve their digital goals.

Top CakePHP Development Services Offered by Andolasoft

  • CakePHP eCommerce development services
  • CakePHP template design services
  • CakePHP CMS development services
  • CakePHP migration services
  • CakePHP plugin development services
  • CakePHP custom website development services
  • CakePHP maintenance and support services

Top 3 CakePHP Projects Developed by Andolasoft

  • D&B Auto Rental

D&B Auto Rental

Technologies used – PHP 5.6, Apache, jQuery, jQuery UI, AWS, Bootstrap

The web app is developed to provide reliable car rental services. It is designed with a focus on customer experience, intuitive interface and easy data handling.

  • In4Mng

In4Mng

Technologies used – PHP, jQuery, jQuery UI, Bootstrap

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In4Mng is an entertainment application which is based in Nigeria. The app aggregates content from both print and electronic media into a single platform. The app adds additional content such as giveaways, games and puzzles to make information engaging and interesting to consume.

Orangescrum Logo

Technologies used – CakePHP, jQuery, jQuery UI, DataTables, Bootstrap

Orangescrum is a versatile project management software designed to streamline project planning, execution, and collaboration for individuals and teams. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and features to help businesses manage tasks, track progress, and achieve project goals efficiently.

  • Orases:

Orases is a full-service digital agency that specializes in CakePHP development.

They provide end-to-end solutions, including web and mobile app development, UI/UX design, and digital marketing.

With a commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences and innovative solutions, Orases has established a reputation for helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

Hyperlink InfoSystem:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Hyperlink InfoSystem is a global technology solutions provider offering CakePHP development among its array of services.

They have a vast portfolio of successful projects spanning web and mobile apps, blockchain, IoT, and more.

With a global clientele, Hyperlink InfoSystem is recognized for its technical expertise and dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions.

DotSquares:

DotSquares

DotSquares is a technology company that offers a comprehensive suite of services, including CakePHP development.

With a focus on delivering tailored solutions to meet client objectives, they have worked on diverse projects ranging from eCommerce platforms to business applications.

DotSquares has a global presence and a track record of delivering high-quality software solutions.

illuminz:

illuminz

illuminz is a software development agency with a strong focus on CakePHP development.

They provide end-to-end solutions including web and mobile app development, UI/UX design, and digital marketing services.

With a commitment to delivering scalable and innovative solutions, illuminz collaborates with businesses to bring their visions to life in the digital realm.

What are top questions to ask a CakePHP development company before hiring?

  1. What is your experience with CakePHP development?

Ask about the company’s experience specifically with CakePHP projects. Inquire about their past projects, complexities they’ve handled, and the size of the eCommerce platforms they’ve developed.

  1. Can you provide references or case studies from previous CakePHP projects?

Request references or case studies from clients who have hired the company for CakePHP development. This can give you insights into their work quality, reliability, and client satisfaction.

  1. How do you approach security in CakePHP development for eCommerce applications?

Security is critical in eCommerce. Ask about their practices for securing sensitive customer data, implementing encryption, preventing SQL injection, and handling payment information securely.

  1. What testing procedures do you follow to ensure the quality of CakePHP projects?

Testing is crucial to deliver a bug-free application. Ask about their testing practices, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing, to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

  1. How do you handle post-launch support and maintenance?

An eCommerce site requires ongoing support to address issues, implement updates, and ensure smooth operations. Discuss their approach to post-launch support and the availability of maintenance services.

  1. What happens in case of scope changes or unexpected challenges during development?

Projects can encounter changes or challenges. Ask how they handle scope changes and unexpected issues, and how they communicate such matters to you.

  1. What differentiates you from other CakePHP development companies?

This question can help you understand the company’s unique strengths, values, and offerings that set them apart in the market.

Conclusion

eCommerce business owners choose CakePHP for its cost-effectiveness, ability to provide customized user experiences, strong security features, community support, and integration capabilities with analytics tools.

This framework empowers business owners to develop eCommerce applications that not only meet their specific needs but also provide a competitive edge in the digital market.

By harnessing the benefits of CakePHP, businesses can create scalable, secure, and engaging eCommerce apps that resonate with their target audience and drive success.

FAQs

Q1: How can you implement personalized shopping experiences using CakePHP?

Utilize CakePHP’s session management and user authentication to track customer behavior and preferences.

Based on this data, one can implement personalized product recommendations, wish lists, and targeted promotions, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Q3: What are some strategies for integrating popular payment gateways into a CakePHP eCommerce application?

Integrating payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square involves utilizing their APIs within the CakePHP eCommerce application.

You can create dedicated components or plugins to handle payment processing, ensuring that sensitive financial information is securely transmitted and stored.

Q4: What are the key features of CakePHP that make it suitable for eCommerce development?

CakePHP offers features like MVC architecture, ORM (Object-Relational Mapping), built-in security features, CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations, scaffolding, and data validation. These features streamline eCommerce development by providing a solid foundation and reducing manual coding efforts.

Why PHP Web Development Is Top Priority For Developers

Posted on by Garry Smith

Any company that wants to succeed must maintain a robust digital presence because the world is more digitally connected than ever. And, it is not possible to create a strong brand image without a good website.

PHP Programming  language is a server side language. Whenever a new programming language is developed the demand for PHP comes to an end. It is true that the PHP language does not remain on the top list of top programming languages, from 5th position in 2017 to 8th position to 2020 as per a survey by Stack Overflow annual developer.

Also PHP continues to be used for 80% of all websites. However, it is the best language for website development.

PHP Market Position

To meet this end, businesses hire web development services. Many technologies are being used in developing websites today. A lot of developers prefer to use PHP website development because it offers numerous benefits.

Why PHP is used in web development?

PHP allows developers to create dynamic and interactive websites. PHP is a server-side scripting language used for developing fast and reliable websites and web apps. 

The following are the reasons why developers prefer PHP for web development.

Time to Development

When adopting any technology for web development, the cost and development time are the important considerations to make the right choice. Thus cutting down on the cost and development time is on priority to make an informed decision.

Failure in this aspect is the key reason for project delays in schedules. To cut down on development time, developers choose specific technologies like PHP that enable them to work efficiently and deliver top-notch solutions.

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PHP gives an edge in web development for particular areas. 

PHP Frameworks

Many PHP frameworks are there to build feature-rich and complex web applications. Laravel, CakePHP, and CodeIgniter are some of the top PHP web development frameworks. Developers use these frameworks to build top-notch websites or web applications for their clients in a simple way. These frameworks follow MVC (Model, View, Controller) approach that simplifies the coding process.

With this approach, the presentation layer is separated from the business logic. Consequently, the web development process is faster and streamlined. Hence, when it comes to speeding up the development process, PHP web development services provide many advantages. 

Versatile:

With the use of PHP you can get many benefits one such benefit is that the platform is independent, which means it can be used on Mac OS, Linux, Windows and supports other web servers.

This feature makes the use of PHP easy to deploy on various systems and platforms with some additional cost

Easy to Learn

Another thing responsible for making the PHP language attractive to developers is that it is easy to learn. It does not require a large number of learning materials or reference resources to get proficient in this language.

With some moderate efforts, developers can get a good hang of it and create the desired solutions for clients. So, the ease of learning and usage has also made it a popular technology for developers worldwide.

Developers accustomed to other programming languages may find learning PHP easier than they think. It is the reason why PHP developers are in high demand. 

Open-source Technology

PHP is an open-source server-side scripting language. The open-source nature of this technology makes it a sought-after solution for various projects.

Being an open-source tech, it is available for free and can be used for a dynamic range of web development projects. PHP developers are available easily, and a business can hire PHP developer to create unmatched solutions.

PHP’s open-source implementation is unparalleled to other similar languages. Since it is available for free, it is accessible to many companies and individuals who would not otherwise consider using any different language. For many people, PHP is the most widely used general-purpose language. 

Support & Community

It is always wise to choose a web development technology that comes with a community to help grow and address issues. So, the technologies with more wikis, tutorials, and active forums are more popular than those without these kinds of support.

PHP has a large community that is actively involved in the growth of this language as well as addressing the issues of existing or new users. With this robust support system, developers find PHP a beneficial solution for any website development project.

Community support is quite beneficial in development, maintenance, and keeping the web solution up and running. 

Cost-effective Technology

When people think about why PHP is a priority for many developers for web development, they should also think about the cost. PHP is open-source and free, making it an attractive choice for many businesses to develop their web solutions.

PHP solutions are affordable, and you can even choose low-budget PHP developers for creating a decent web solution. Not only many affordable web solutions are available, but also there are many open-source alternatives. 

Fast and Secure: 

As every organization needs their website or application to be secured and safe. But with the use of PHP in web development, you can save lots of space. As the PHP uses it’s own memory and competes well with the speed, especially with the newer version.

PHP is not inherently less or more secure than other programming languages. One such advantage of PHP is that because of its widespread use and community support, there aren’t many tools, frameworks and best practices that help to fix the vulnerabilities and protest any cyber-attacks.

Support for multiple files types and databases

PHP is handy for using different types of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, and more. It offers POD (PHP Data Object) that provides a simple way to connect with various databases and work with them.

Apart from this, it also supports XML besides HTML, JavaScript, and many other file types that unlock a lot of potential for developers to create more than web solutions. 

I’ve worked with the team at AndolaSoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

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Wrapping up!

As the world is becoming more digitalized, the need of the hour for every business is to set up their online presence to stay competitive and keep growing. When it comes to creating a website, choosing the right technology is very crucial.

PHP is one of the topmost web development technologies that has been used in developing numerous web solutions for a long time. Many developers prefer PHP because of the multiple benefits and features it offers.

Hiring a PHP website development company is also easy because there are plenty of these companies. 

Looking forward to developing your website choose Andolasoft to develop your PHP website from our professional PHP developer.

Rise Of Technology Usage In The Response To Post COVID19 Crisis

Posted on by Jay

The Covid-19 pandemic is a really difficult time for all. It has triggered a panic button all over the world as a medical emergency, disrupting the global economy and hitting businesses hard in the area of operation and survival.

The consequences such as social distancing, lockdowns, low production/demand, lack of labor, and a high degree of uncertainty, have questioned their continuity.

But digital technology has helped pandemic hit businesses to keep up and running like least affected.

Thankfully, many tech companies are promptly offering next-level digital technology to keep their businesses operational even amidst the crisis.

As the need for digital infrastructure has grown for businesses during this emergency, solutions like custom app development and cloud computing have proven beyond useful.

A Reality Check for Businesses

From retail, healthcare, and finance industries to grocery, apparel, and salon, every industry has to quickly adapt to the new situation; to serve their customers safely and fast.

They have to consider options of virtual contacts, eCommerce tools, and technologies to respond to this crisis-ridden situation in a better way. These drastic changes in business sectors are long-term.

Pandemic and Contribution of Tech Stacks

Businesses are left with no option but to digitize all or some part of their activities to protect customers and employees put under travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

Some of the tech stacks have already confirmed that they are getting a record number of requests for the implementation of remote work and digital services across multiple domains.

Again, shopper behaviors and ways of interactions have changed considerably, and the demand for digital technology is likely to continue in the future.

Nearly around 75% of shoppers are using digital platforms for the first time.

Web and mobile app development companies have to make sure that the approaching businesses are digital-ready and don’t miss a single customer in this unstable condition.

Recent data from McKinsey (Source: Covid-19 US Digital Sentiment Survey) shows the accelerated rate of digital adoption among US businesses and customers in different industries.

Web application development

mobile application development

(Source – mckinsey.com)

Challenges and Digital Adoption in the Press

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many challenges at businesses – the most important being the company management and financial stability, thus making business resiliency and continuity their ultimate priority.

There are a few other areas where businesses are facing challenges such as reducing operation costs, maintaining data security, etc.

Digital technology helps pandemics have a low impact on businesses by taking their eCommerce development to the cloud platform and automating the whole business from supply chain to sales management.

Digital Transformation to Address Pain Points

Digital technology is a savior for businesses in the pre-Covid19 and post Covid19 era. It is not just a good to have a feature – but a necessity for companies to weather the effects of the pandemic.

And as businesses now come to consult with tech companies more and more, they are seen struggling in the following areas:

  • Deploying remote staff
  • Reaching out to customers virtually
  • Remote access to business activities and details
  • Adding to agility and competence
  • Stay safe against new cybersecurity related issues
  • Cutting down operational costs and improving supply chain activity

While businesses are undergoing organizational, cultural, and social change, tech companies have been providing the required support to help them cope up with it gradually.

Restructured Traditional Business Model

Empowering businesses digitally is not all about facilitating remote access; they will have to be available 24/7 online taking/processing orders and addressing issues that employees are facing on the personal/professional front.

Digital technology has successfully removed in-person client meetings and customers are no doubt experiencing an increased speed of response in the digital framework.

Companies are now able to build excellent virtual customer contacts that could be easily shifted to core business activity post-crisis.

The insecurity triggered by the Covid-19 crisis is encouraging businesses to review their IT infrastructure and make sure that they work on the limitations there to work remotely.

Businesses are now more versatile in the area of decision making and seen enjoying new customer engagements and conversations than before.

Effect of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is the key to overcoming the pandemic and helping businesses get robust and resilient for the future.

To start with, many companies have sped up the adoption of digital technology and tools that will quickly connect with their workers, clients, and partners safely, without making huge investments.

New-age digital solutions like SaaS, Cloud, Data Security, and Automation have come together to make businesses pandemic-proof.

Digital Implementation in Full Glory

With work from home now becoming a standard, the importance of cloud service has grown more.

And so far, you may have seen many businesses move to comprehensive WFH mode without any disturbance – thanks in real life to SaaS and cloud solutions providers, which are offering cost-effective packages.

Hundreds of custom app developments have been carried out to connect home bound businesses to collaborative/management tools for their continuity.

Similarly, web and mobile app development companies continue working remotely and writing codes in cloud-based secure environments.

Some of them even include built-in and cloud-managed features such as AI-backed applications for greater functionality during this pandemic.

BCP is no longer a tick-in-the-box habit, rather has become a strategic strength for businesses. When facing supply chain issues during lockdowns, they have started to gain the ability to find raw supply chain data in real-time.

Businesses now use AI and other advanced technologies like IoT, blockchain, 5G coverage, and edge computing to finely balance operating costs, creating a solid supply chain worldwide and turning unimaginable into the projected.

They have reached the goal of building better, smarter supply chains by integrating both data and technology.

It helps them to escape the current pandemic effect as well as unexpected events in the future.

Conclusion

Distributed staff, virtual contact facilities, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning, data, and analytics: 

  • all of them are part of the coveted digital world
  • already exploited by the businesses in different ways
  • and to variable degrees during this pandemic.

In the post-crisis phase, they are likely to expand faster.

Are you feeling the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic and looking to overcome it with technology? Let’s discuss! 

I am sure our tech experts and full stack developers can guide you in the right path.

8 Best PHP Frameworks For Developer in 2021

Posted on by Vijay Patel

Do you want to build a website in the PHP framework?

Is the PHP framework necessary?

PHP framework is one of the oldest and most popularly used frameworks. Looking towards the complexities rising in website development, PHP is gaining more and more importance by ensuring convenience in building relevant codes.

So, let’s learn in detail about what is PHP framework and a few of the commonly used frameworks for developers in 2021.

What is a PHP framework?

PHP Framework is a platform where you can create websites and applications with the most advanced features and functions. It is the world’s most popular scripting language that ensures flexibility, ease of usage and reusable coding.

What is a PHP framework used for?

PHP framework is ideally used for creating web applications that ultimately speed up the development process. It offers pre-built modules for performing coding tasks easily and quickly within a lesser period of time.

You can definitely hire professional Web and Mobile App Development who specializes in a PHP framework that delivers you a seamless website with the most advanced facilities.

What is a framework in PHP for beginners?

Some of PHP frameworks that are actually good for beginner’s are- Yii Framework, Zend, Laravel and Symphony that ensure convenience in usage and maintainability.

1. Laravel

Laravel is one of the Best PHP Framework that can safely handle complex web applications at a faster pace than any other framework. It is an open source PHP web framework that build scalable web applications by simplifying common tasks like security, authentication, caching, security, and routing.

Features of Laravel

  • PHP framework Laravel has its own light weighted template called ‘Blade’
  • Offers a reusable, maintainable and flexible code
  • Works on MVC pattern for separation of presentation and logic

Who uses Laravel?

  • 9GAG
  • E-Commerce
  • MasterCard
  • Bitpanda
  • Razorpay

2. Codeigniter

Codeigniter is one of the lightweight PHP framework that comes with a simple, straightforward and quick installation process requires only minimal configuration or so.

Licensed under MIT license, this PHP backend framework gives a complete flexibility to use at no cost.

As a top PHP frameworks, it comes with complete packet libraries that contribute significantly in manipulating images, sending mails, form validation and others.

Features of Codeigniter

•It is compatible with most web servers
•Holds a strong community forums
•It is swift, convenient and easy to use framework

3. Symphony

Symphony being the Best PHP Framework, comes with a set of reusable PHP components. It includes routing, object configuration, Templating, authentication, form creation and many others to perform diverse tasks.
Features of Symphony

  • Symphony is independent of database engine
  • Easier maintainability and even new developers can manage it
  • It comes with an enhanced security and timely upgrades

4. CakePHP

CakePHP is a decade old most popular PHP framework that adopts the change and keeps up with the time. It is quite straightforward and easy to learn and easy to install that even a beginner won’t face any complexity.
Features:

  • Offers a vast range of features and functions
  • It has an improved modularity and advanced libraries
  • Serves as a good option for commercial application projects

5. Slim

Slim is one of the Best PHP Framework that helps you in quickly writing simple yet powerful web applications. Known as a micro PHO framework, it assists developers even in the most complex scenarios.

Features of Slim

  • Improves the load time and overall performance of your website
  • Protect applications from cross-site requests and validates requests
  • It has a professional community of users and developers

6. Yii framework

Yii Framework is an object oriented PHP framework that contributes significantly for large scale website development. Besides that, this simple PHP framework helps in case of rapid prototyping and generating desired code interactively.

Features of Yii Framework

  • Offers a multiple package of security
  • Easy-to-use theming and skinning mechanism
  • This PHP front-end framework comes with AJAX enabled features

7. Phalcon

Phalcon is one of the Best PHP Framework written in C and C++ language that boosts up the execution speed, triggers the overall performance and at the same time reduces the resource usage.

Among the PHP frameworks list, Phalcon is suitable for building high-configuration web applications by incorporating limited resources.

Features of Phalcon

  • It has auto loading, security translation and asset management features
  • It is one of the fastest PHP framework that comes with outstanding features and architecture
  • Easy to add modules and libraries whenever you want to

8. Zend Framework

Zend framework is one the most popular PHP frameworks that fits perfectly for complex and enterprise level projects. This PHP-MVC-Framework is built on an agile methodology that lets you deliver high quality web applications with the most advanced features and functions.

Features of Zend Framework

  • It can easily integrate with external libraries
  • Offers an extremely good documentation
  • It is highly customizable where you can add any project specific functionalities

The conclusion

Did you make a PHP framework comparison?

Well, all the above discussed frameworks are trusted by millions of companies and industries.

However, if you ever wondered, which framework I should use for web application development, note that, you need to understand your business requirements and accordingly make the decision to select the best one.

The scope of PHP Framework is wide and it gives you an opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Therefore, hire the best of all PHP Developers now and get started to build your business application and website now!

CakePHP: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Test

Posted on by Jay

Cross-site request forgery (CSRF), also known as one-click attack or session riding is a type of malicious exploit of a website where unauthorized commands are transmitted from a user that the website trusts. Unlike cross-site scripting (XSS), which exploits the trust a user has for a particular site, CSRF exploits the trust that a site has in a user’s browser.

How It Works?

There are various techniques used for CSRF attacks. Let’s take the example of changing an email address of a logged-in user, by using a form with the required fields to change.

Ex:

[code language=”html”]
<form name="myform" action="http://myweb.com/profile" method="POST">
<input name="email" type="text" value="xyz@gmail.com" />
<input name="name" type="text" value="john" />
<input type="submit" value="Save"/>
</form>
[/code]

Here the victim has to submit the form.

Alternately:

[code language=”html”]
<body onload="document.forms[0].submit()">
<form name="myform" action="http://myweb.com/profile" method="POST">
<input name="email" type="hidden" value="xyz@gmail.com"/>
<input type="hidden" name="name" value="john"/>
<input type="submit" value="Save"/>
</form>
</body>
[/code]

Here, the form gets automatically submitted when loaded in the browser. The attacker can now change the authenticated users of “myweb.com” email address easily.

Note: it is not easy for attackers to use ajax call to perform the above operation since most of the modern browsers have same-origin policy restrictions.

How To Prevent Such Attacks:

Let’s take the same example as above & prevent the CSRF attack.

Here are the Steps to be followed:

Step#1:

Generate a unique token (256 char string) for each session, i.e. for every user login to the system, there should be a unique token associated. Store the token in the session.

[code language=”html”]
if(!isset($_SESSION[‘CSRFTOKEN’])){
$tokn = $this->Format->genRandomStringCustom(25);
$_SESSION[‘CSRFTOKEN’] = $tokn;
}
[/code]

For CakePHP, do this in App Controller.

Step#2:

Add this token to every form while doing any operations such as saving your profile information like email, password, first name or the last name. For this follow the below guidelines:

Take profile.ctp for our example and add the below code to profile.ctp:

Add a hidden field to the form.

Example:

[code language=”html”]
<form id=”formId” method="POST" action="http://myweb.com/profile">
<input id=”csrftoken” type="hidden" value=” ” name=”csrftoken" />
…..

<input value="Save" type="button" onclick=”addCsrfToken(‘formId’)”/>
</form>
[/code]

Set the ”csrftokenl” value at the run when you submit the form.

[code language=”html”]
<script>
function addCsrfToken(formid){
$(‘.csrftoken).val(‘<?php echo $_SESSION[‘CSRFTOKEN’]; ?>’);
$(‘#’+formid).submit();
}
</script>
[/code]

Step#3:

Check the csrf token in the respective controller & action for every successful operation.

Let’s take the user’s controller and profile action:

[code language=”html”]
UsersController.php

function profile(){

if($_SESSION[‘CSRFTOKEN’] === “requested token from the form”){ //$this->data[‘csrftoken’];
//perform the rest of the operation here
}else{
//unauthorized access, do not save anything
}
}
[/code]

Over To You, Now!

These kind of one-click attacks are quickly becoming the new modes of Cyber attacks. It would be nice if you can share your experiences related to the same at info@andolasoft.com.

Let’s make the web a safer place for everyone!