Small and light PHP frameworks
Posted by Srinath
Frameworks offer quick and dirty ways to get your code done. Though hardcore programmers still shun them, they are God sent for lazy/beginner programmers who need to get lot of work done quickly. Having looked at all the major heavyweights(literally) of PHP frameworks, I wanted to look for alternatives.
My requirements:
- Small footprint
- Simple
- Easy to use (For a beginner like me)
So here are the nominees:
1. ELF-PHP (Extra Light PHP Framework)
This framework is built on the MVC architecture for software engineering buffs, has good documentation, and will get you started in a jiffy. It probably has the most features compared to the others in this list, and the developer plans to add some more in the future release.
P.S: Grab the latest code from the repository.
It simple, its PHP and its a framework. Has comprehensive logging features, offers various modes for the server (local, production, staging, shell) and is actually being run in 40 different sites by the developer. Should be dependable. Needs documentation on various features though.
Other than having a unusual name, its a micro php framework for separating application logic from presentation. Development has been stopped by the developer, so don't expect support or documentation. For a more recent version micro paging framework, check out Sticks by the same developer.
4. Write your own micro framework!
This excellent post by Anant Garg gets you started on MVC framework basics, and tells you how you can design your own mini framework, and then implement your application using it!
Expect a more comprehensive review of each framework in the furure.
Web based bulk sms review – znisms
Posted by Srinath
Web based SMS services have become absolutely essential nowadays. And with hundreds if not thousands of services available, it is difficult to try out each to see if it suits you. I'm putting in my 2 cents on this issue. This is a short review of the web based sms service offered by http://znisms.com. Before I start, this service is ONLY for mobiles within India, and not for networks elsewhere. In other words, you can send a text message to mobile phones in India only.
Here are my observations:
- Easy registration and setup. Self explanatory
- Web based and HTTP/XML API access
- Haven't faced any down time yet. Both web based, and API based submits work well
- Plans starting from as low as Rs. 100 valid for 2 months
- Maximum time taken to reach a recipient is just less than an hour. Average time is 5-8 minutes
- Web control panel, though confusing is pretty neat. Has all the options you need, and even lets you check status of your messages
- Comprehensive logging system which may be useful for some
- XML API for bulk submission - add multiple numbers to the same message, and a single submit. This is really what I wanted as the place I'm deploying my application won't be permanently connected to the internet. So instead of making 1500 individual submits, just one XML bulk submit will do
- Incoming messages supported - users can type "hi <username> <message>" and send it to 5676775 and you will receive it directly in your web control panel free of cost
Cons:
- Plan validity period is too short (at least for my requirement)
- No API to access incoming messages
- SMS rates are cheaper only in higher volume plans
- Maximum validity of any plan is 6 months
In all, I'd give it a 8.5/10. Really satisfied with the service so far.