Symfony Framework - Setting the Foundation

Vadim Parfaniuc

Symfony is a set of reusable PHP components...
... and a PHP framework for web applications

The standard foundation on which the best PHP applications are built.

Web applications development might be a challenging task even for most seasoned developers nowadays. No matter the processes or methodology your team is using for development processes - AGILE, SCRUM or Waterfall - still the most critical part in ensuring a successful project delivery is the choice of the technology. This choice cannot be universal and applied to every project that comes across your desk since no two projects are the same. That's why at Fuse IQ, we have a broad spectrum of technology options we can apply to any application that we are building for our clients.

Efficiency, Security, Maintainability, and Scalability are all significant factors that play a role in technology selection. Years ago, after careful evaluation of the modern PHP based frameworks landscape using all the factors listed above, we selected Symfony as the most logical choice for the size and complexity of the projects we are taking on.

What is a Framework?

A framework is a collection of universal, reusable programs that accomplish particular tasks to facilitate the development of software applications.

Metaphorically, it is a skeleton, frame or foundation for web application development.

Why should we use any framework?

  • Faster development: All the modern frameworks are based on collections of libraries that can be used for various purposes depending on the particular need. Instead of "reinventing the wheel" developers can use an existing set of libraries to build forms, integrate security, expose data through APIs...
  • Better security: The framework components are supported with timely upgrades and enhancement of security.
  • Standardized development approach: Using a framework forces a specific structure and common rule set to follow during the development process. Thus, it won’t be a problem for a new developer or team to join the ongoing project.

What is the Symfony framework?


Symfony is an open source PHP framework that has an MVC (Model View Controller) architecture. Its primary purpose is to build high-performance complex web applications. Symfony has a competitive advantage over other web PHP frameworks available like Zend Frameworks, Codeigniter, Laravel, etc. Symfony is among the few frameworks that are commercially backed. SensioLabs is actively promoting it through conferences, tutorials, articles and actively maintaining the code.

Symfony compilerWhy Symfony?

  1. Fast and efficient development
    A rich collection of libraries and features that the Symfony framework speeds up application development.
  2. Performance
    The current version 4 of the Symfony framework is the fastest compared to any previous versions. Coupling Symfony with the latest version of PHP 7 provides significantly increased performance results compared to previous versions of Symfony or other PHP based frameworks.
  3. Reliable
    Symfony has proven its reliability over time so much so that large notable platforms have adopted it like Drupal, Magento, phpBB, and others.
  4. Easier to test and validate
    PHP Unit Independent Library is included within the Symfony framework, which makes unit testing easier by stimulating HTTP requests and verifying output without any script using testing tools. It automates the functional testing that saves a significant amount of time and effort of developers. Symfony also offers some excellent support for functional, behavioral and unit testing.
  5. Long-term support
    Symfony is a stable and well-tested framework with regular updates. The most recent versions stay long-term supported and compatible with the newer releases. (see the Symfony roadmap for more info)

WANT TO LEARN MORE? Contact us today to discover how to solve your snarkiest web application challenges with Symfony with a FREE 2-hour consultation!

Sean S

Many of the problems with the HTTP protocol are finally being solved.