Let the Debate Begin...

[Moorcam]

Let’s settle a debate that’s been raging (in my head, at least) for years: What’s the best PHP IDE or framework?

Personally, I’ve hopped around like a caffeinated squirrel trying to find "the one." VS Code is my current IDE of choice because extensions are basically cheat codes for lazy developers like me. But I still have a soft spot for PHPStorm—despite it being the IDE equivalent of a luxury car. Sure, it’s fast and powerful, but does it have to cost as much as my coffee addiction?

As for frameworks, I’ve dabbled with Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. Laravel feels like PHP on training wheels—smooth, elegant, and ready to do the heavy lifting. Symfony, on the other hand, is like the DIY kit of frameworks: powerful but occasionally makes you question your life choices. And CodeIgniter? It’s the scrappy underdog that still gets the job done when you just need something lightweight. However, I still love it raw like my steaks! (not really).

So, here’s what I want to know from you:

IDE or Editor: Do you swear by VS Code, dream in PHPStorm, or bravely code in Notepad++?

Framework: Are you a Laravel evangelist, a Symfony purist, or a CodeIgniter minimalist? Or are you a rebel coding in plain PHP and laughing in the face of frameworks?

Bonus points for any funny stories—like the time you spent 2 hours debugging only to find out you forgot a semicolon (we’ve all been there. Like me just today).

Let’s hear it! Enlighten me, entertain me, and most importantly, help me justify my next subscription or Lucozade binge.

Cheers!
Dan

[Strider64]

I've chosen to use PHPStorm as my development environment, and I've developed a unique approach to coding that doesn't rely on frameworks. Having never been a coffee drinker, I've always had to find alternative ways to stay focused, and I've found that my self-built class library allows me to work efficiently without the need for external frameworks. As I've grown older, I've come to realize that learning new frameworks may not be the best use of my time, especially considering my age and the competitive job market. Instead, I've decided to focus on solo projects, where I can leverage my existing knowledge and experience to deliver high-quality results.