An Overview of the Code Igniter PHP Framework

A light-weight, open source PHP development framework, Code Igniter is used by a growing developer community. Designed to be agile, lightweight and flexible, there is an entire community of users who build modern applications using the framework.

To improve the efficiency and stability of coding, the framework is intuitive and straightforward, while also maintaining the ability to scale.  Since it uses a model view controller approach, the underlying code is highly organized with a focus on presentation, security and caching. An extensive library of code samples can help with common processes such as validation, email, uploads, session management and API development. As a result, the development process is much faster and more efficient.

In a basic Code Igniter build, there is a common structure that can be used to build out your web application. As a framework, the file structure is highly customizable and gives you the ability to customize the look, feel and functions of your app. The folder structure is intuitive and straightforward, providing you with ways to customize the configuration, controllers, hooks, libraries, models, views as well as the database, plug-ins and design of your application. Based upon this universal framework you can create nearly any type of web based application.

The framework offers complete support for PHP 4 and 5, as well as multiple databases, templates, forms and cache, along with libraries for a variety of features. With the development of Expression Engine 2, you can also pair your development with a front and back-end system for more rapid deployment. With an impressive set of documentation and an active developer community, Code Igniter is an ideal choice for MVC deployment.

How MVC Works with Code Igniter

With a logical separation of the data and presentation structures within Code Igniter, the framework makes PHP development a more organized process. The underlying model performs operations in conjunction with the database, allowing you to create processes to organize the data underlying your application. Found in /application/models, you can initialize certain database connections and results based upon your underlying data. With this elegant approach, it’s much easier to work with large scale data collections and manage your databases.

The controller in Code Igniter is used to insert statement from your data structures to the front-end. Each part of your site has a unique function, making the organization of the code even tighter. Each controller has a related model, and the two works together to present, view and load specific data elements for the front end of your site:

class Register extends Controller
{
  function Register() {
    parent::Controller();
    $model->load->model('register_model');
    $db->load->db();
  }
}

When it comes to the front-end presentation of your site, the view provides a way to facilitate the design and template process. Your view has all of the features of an HTML template, while also having full PHP function that can capture data variables natively. The framework makes it substantially easier to modify and improve upon your presentation of the data. Building applications with Code Igniter makes the entire design and deployment of apps a more organized process.