What is MVC ?
MVC also know as “Model View Controller”. A MVC framework is a software design pattern used in web development for separating application’s logic into three interconnected components.
By default MVC frameworks like Laravel, Codeigniter etc. Provides us a default directory structure for our website. This structure consist of folders like Models, Controllers, Views, Config, Database etc. Each folder in the framework is responsible for specific logics that’s in our application.
MVC framework provides us cleaner and more organized codebase, making it easier to maintain and debug. It also allows us to create SEO friendly website by providing features like routing which helps in creating SEO-Friendly and human-readable URLs.
MVC Framework Example :
Let’s take Laravel as an example of MVC Framework. Laravel provides us separate logs for our application which helps in debugging the issue more efficiently. Along with this we get a powerful command line tool called “artisan” which helps us in installing third-party libraries which we can use later in our application.
It also provides us “Blade Templating” in which we can use our PHP code with plain HTML without the need of using <?php ?> tag. In core PHP, if we have to print something on our page we use echo, print_r() etc. This is where blade templating comes in, Blade template provides us rich features like @ directives , displaying our dynamic data using ‘{{ }}’ . We can print anything in PHP by typing variable in ‘{{ }}’. For eg:
<div>
@php
$printHelloWorld = ‘Hello World’;
@endphp
<h2>{{ $printHelloWorld }}</h2>
</div>In the above demonstration we can see that Laravel blade template does not need functions like echo or print_r. Instead we use ‘{{ }}’ for displaying dynamic data on our webpage.
Why we should prefer MVC Framework ?
Now we know, what is a MVC Framework but the question still persist that why we should go for MVC framework rather than making websites in core language. The main reason for using framework is that we don’t have to write lengthy codes instead we can re-use the code already defined in the framework. Along with this, it comes with other perks like :
1 ) Scalibilty :
MVC frameworks are designed to handle complex applications with ease. As your application grows, you can easily add new features or modify existing ones without restructuring the entire codebase. This scalability is crucial for applications that are expected to evolve over time.
2 ) Improved Testing :
MVC’s separation of concerns makes unit testing and debugging more straightforward. Each component (Model, View, Controller) can be tested independently, allowing for more effective and efficient testing practices. This leads to better quality assurance and fewer bugs in the final product.
3) Modular Development:
It encourages modular development, where different parts of the application can be developed independently. This makes it easier to collaborate among team members working on different modules or features of the application.
List of Popular Frameworks that are worth giving a shot :
1) Laravel:
- Language: PHP
- Description: Laravel is a modern PHP framework known for its elegant syntax, expressive code, and extensive ecosystem. It simplifies common tasks like authentication, routing, caching, and more.
- Website: Laravel
2) AngularJS/Angular:
- Language: TypeScript/JavaScript
- Description: Angular (formerly AngularJS) is a front-end framework for building dynamic web applications. It follows the MVC pattern on the client-side, providing a robust structure for building Single Page Applications (SPAs).
- Website: Angular
3 ) Express.js:
- Language: JavaScript (Node.js)
- Description: While not a traditional MVC framework, Express.js is a minimalist and flexible Node.js web application framework. Developers often use it to build APIs and web applications, implementing the MVC pattern as needed.
- Website: Express.js
4 ) CodeIgniter:
- Language: PHP
- Description: CodeIgniter is a lightweight PHP framework known for its speed and simplicity. It provides a straightforward approach to web development with MVC architecture.
- Website: CodeIgniter
These are just a few examples of popular MVC frameworks. Each framework has its strengths and is suitable for different types of projects and development environments. Developers often choose a framework based on the programming language they are comfortable with, the project requirements, and the community support available.
Conclusion:
In summary, using an MVC framework provides a structured approach to web development, resulting in cleaner code, improved maintainability, scalability, security, and testability. It also offers a wealth of resources and community support, making it an excellent choice for building modern web applications. They promote code organization, reusability, and maintainability by separating concerns.
MVC frameworks also enhance scalability, making it easier to add new features and modify existing ones. These frameworks provide tools for testing, security, and community support, enabling developers to build complex web applications efficiently. Overall, MVC frameworks streamline the development process and improve the overall quality of web applications.
