PHP - writing content and code

[bubu]

Some frameworks go so far that they actually hide PHP from you. So make sure you mastered PHP before you try a framework.

I'd advice you to find a simple framework you like.

Avoid these for now (not necessarily for ever):

• CakePHP: I like this one, but don't use it. It's magic! Actually it's too magic.
• Zend Framework: This is currently a piece-o-crap. They rushed its development. The result is some pseudo-modular crap you must join yourself to make something out of it. And the documentation is a comedy. If you like modularity go with Pear.
• PRADO: great but complex.
• Symfony: High learning curve.
• Any framework that tries to mimic Ruby on Rails. They pretend to be too magical. The only good framework from this family is CakePHP.
• Any frameworks that attempts to copy Java framework. Why try to make a tiger (PHP) act like a whale (Java)?
• Any framework with "Enterprise" on its introduction text. They are often too complex.
• Frameworks heavily based on code generation. They force you to do things in one way, their way. Only take this path when you're a Master Yoda of PHP.

I'd recommend for you:

• Akelos
• CodeIgniter (despite not liking it very much for my very own dumb reasons)
• LightVC: Very simple framework to learn MVC with.
• Your own mini MVC framework. Take this path if you have the NIH syndrome.

And please guys, don't start a flamewar. This is my personal-self-mine opinion on frameworks, considering his position and I'm giving it because he asked.