Skip to content
Codemotives

Backend

Modern PHP, Properly Engineered

We write modern PHP for custom web applications, APIs and CMS-based sites, and we help teams move aging PHP code onto supported versions without breaking what works.

Overview

PHP

PHP powers a large part of the web, from custom applications to platforms such as WordPress and Magento. Modern PHP, with strict typing, attributes, enums and Composer packages, is a different language from the loosely written scripts many people remember, and it performs well on inexpensive hosting. We apply that modern approach to both greenfield projects and the careful cleanup of older code.

Our approach is language-first: we choose the right PHP version, apply PSR standards, use Composer for dependencies and add static analysis and automated tests. Where a framework fits, we use one; where a lightweight solution is enough, we keep it simple. We also upgrade and secure older PHP codebases that have drifted out of support.

Context

Why teams choose it

  • 01

    Broad hosting support

    PHP runs almost anywhere, from shared hosting to containers, which keeps deployment options open.

  • 02

    Mature ecosystem

    Composer, PSR standards and decades of libraries cover most common needs.

  • 03

    Fast to build

    Simple request-per-process execution and rich frameworks make web delivery quick.

  • 04

    CMS and commerce reach

    WordPress, Magento and many other platforms are PHP, so custom work often extends them.

Capabilities

What we build with it

  1. 01

    Custom PHP applications

    Business web apps with clean architecture, authentication and reporting.

  2. 02

    API development

    JSON APIs for web, mobile and partner integrations with validation and documentation.

  3. 03

    PHP version upgrades

    We move code from outdated PHP versions to supported releases, fixing deprecations and removed features.

  4. 04

    Legacy refactoring

    Untangling procedural code into structured, testable components over time.

  5. 05

    Performance and security hardening

    OPcache tuning, query optimization, input handling and dependency audits.

  6. 06

    CMS and plugin work

    Custom plugins and extensions for PHP-based platforms.

Typical projects

  • Custom business web applications
  • Portals and member dashboards
  • Integrations between internal systems
  • Modernizing old PHP sites
  • Backends for mobile apps

Ecosystem & tooling

  • Composer
  • PHPUnit
  • PHPStan
  • Symfony components
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • Redis
  • Nginx

Approach

How we work with it

  1. 1

    Assess

    We review your goals and any existing code to decide where this technology fits best.

  2. 2

    Architect

    We plan structure, integrations, data flow and hosting before writing production code.

  3. 3

    Build

    Features ship in small, reviewed increments with automated checks along the way.

  4. 4

    Release & maintain

    We deploy, monitor and keep dependencies and versions up to date.

FAQs

Common questions

Have a question that is not covered here? Get in touch.

Is PHP still a good choice for new projects?

Yes, for many web products. Current PHP versions are typed, fast and well supported, and the tooling is mature. It is especially practical where hosting cost, team familiarity or CMS integration matter.

Our site runs on an old PHP version. How risky is that?

Unsupported versions no longer get security fixes, which is a real exposure. We assess the code, upgrade in stages and test each step so you reach a supported version with minimal disruption.

Should we use a framework or plain PHP?

For anything beyond a small site, a framework such as Laravel or Symfony saves time and enforces structure. Plain PHP can suit tiny tools or very specific constraints.

Can you take over an existing PHP codebase?

Yes. We start with a code and dependency review, add tests around critical flows, and then fix, refactor or extend according to priorities we agree with you.

Let's build what's next

Tell us about your idea, product or legacy system. Send us a message and we will help you scope the right next step.