The Decline of Laravel: Top 3 Reasons Developers Are Moving On

Introduction

David Connelly, a web developer extraordinaire, delves into why he believes the Laravel framework is on the decline. Despite its popularity, Laravel faces criticism for various reasons, which David outlines in his engaging discussion.

Reason 1: Performance Issues

Laravel's Performance Struggles

• Laravel consistently underperforms in benchmarks against other PHP frameworks, revealing its slow and bloated nature.
• Critics argue that Laravel can only show improved performance when stripped down to basics, a solution that is not viable for fully-functional applications.
• Comparisons with TronGate, another PHP framework, show a stark contrast in speed, raising concerns about Laravel's efficiency.

Reason 2: Frequent Rewrites

The Rewrite Culture of Laravel

• Laravel's previous six-month release schedule led to frequent breaking changes within the framework, causing instability for developers and their clients.
• Although Laravel has extended its release schedule to 12 months, the concern for stability and backward compatibility remains significant.
• David highlights the impact on past clients who require stable and long-lasting solutions, pointing out the problematic nature of Laravel's rapid evolution.

Reason 3: Lack of Unique Features

Laravel's Innovation Shortcomings

• Laravel lacks distinctive, innovative features that set it apart from other frameworks and software solutions on the market.
• Features that are presented as unique in Laravel are often already available and better implemented in other applications.
• The absence of groundbreaking tools or functionalities within Laravel limits its appeal as a forward-thinking framework.

The Bigger Picture

• Developers are seeking frameworks that offer simplicity, speed, and stability without the burden of constant rewrites and bloatware.
• PHP's creator, Rasmus Lerdorf, has expressed dissatisfaction with the direction PHP frameworks have taken, hinting at the need for a return to core technologies.

The TronGate Framework: A New Hope

• TronGate is gaining attention for its adherence to 'native PHP' principles, focusing on simplicity and performance.
• The framework moves away from the political implications of phrases like 'Make PHP Great Again' and focuses on welcoming developers back to PHP from other technologies.

Conclusion

David Connelly's insights provide a compelling argument for why developers might be turning away from Laravel. As the PHP community continues to evolve, it looks towards frameworks that prioritize performance, stability, and innovation.

Engagement Call

David encourages viewers to participate in the conversation, suggesting that a different type of PHP is emerging. He invites you to join him in a live celebration of PHP's future upon his return from holiday.

May the code be with you and don't forget to support the discussion by liking and commenting on the video to spread the word about the next wave of PHP frameworks.

Watch the original video on YouTube