Translating PHP into Ajax with Symfony

Even though Ajax has been around for a couple of years, developers are still struggling manually coding Ajax. It is quite difficult to admit this but Ajax is one of the development languages for the web and application that is really hard to learn. Most of the developers who are proficient in a language find it hard to move over to JavaScript.

Fortunately, frameworks have been developed for various developers who wanted to continue with their preferred languages while ending up with a good Ajax based application. As of this writing, hundreds of frameworks have been developed for Flash, HTML and most especially Java.

For PHP developers, the Symfony framework for an Ajax based application is slowly gaining followers. This open-source framework was made to aid PHP developers build an Ajax based application. Symfony comes with a specific set of commands that automates JavaScript in their application. Along with the automation, this framework ensures browser compatibility. No JavaScript skills is required for PHP developers who wanted to build an Ajax based application.

Symfony was able to automate JavaScript functions in a PHP framework as it has assigned specific tags for each JavaScript function. Symfony uses two of the world’s most powerful open-source libraries on the web today: Script.aculo.us and Prototype. Instead of copying and pasting the whole function in an application or website, Symfony lets the developers activate the function through tags.

Aside from fostering faster and more effective web development, the following are the features of Symfony:

Easy to install – For Symfony to run smoothly, it only needs a Unix or Windows based server and PHP5. Developers will be building in their native PHP language so there is no need to have additional installations.
Clear and readable codes – all functions in JavaScript are identified through tags. Symfony simplifies the tagging so that the function will be easily understood.

Supports Agile Web Development – Agile is one of the well known and supported lifecycles for software development. Website administrators and application developers often use Agile planning to build their application. To have an efficient Agile based software, proper tools should also be used. Symfony is one of the frameworks that support Agile and PHP developers are assured that their application will be built as expected and on time.

Full Control – Even thought functions for JavaScript only comes in tags, developers will still enjoy the enterprise-like control of their application. Developers will have the ability to control all parts of their software. This is due to the fact that Symfony offers individualized tagging of each function. The functions are just automated but control of the behavior of the functions.

If you are a PHP master or still learning the ropes of advanced PHP development, Symfony is the framework for you. You will be able to fully control the application, easily read the code and the general structure of your application and most especially build that highly coveted Ajax based application. All of this is possible without crunching our brains through the ropes of learning JavaScript and related languages.