Zend Introduction

What is Zend Framework?

Zend Framework is an open-source, object-oriented web application framework for PHP 7+. It's now part of the Laminas Project (Zend Framework has been transitioned into Laminas). Zend is used for building secure, reliable, and modern web applications.

Key Features:

• Follows MVC (Model View Controller) architecture.
• Built with extensibility and modularity.
• Enterprise-ready and used in banking, e-commerce, etc.
• Integrates with databases, REST APIs, forms, and more.
• Strong focus on testability and security.

Real Use:

Major companies like BBC, BNP Paribas, and Cisco have used Zend in production.

Why Zend Framework?

• ✅ Full control over application architecture
• ✅ Modular: Use only what you need
• ✅ Secure: CSRF protection, validation, XSS filtering
• ✅ Enterprise standard

Demo: Zend Hello World

Step 1: Install Zend Skeleton App

composer create-project -sdev laminas/laminas-mvc-skeleton zend-tutorial
cd zend-tutorial

Step 2: Start the PHP server:

php -S 0.0.0.0:8080 -t public

Step 3: Visit http://localhost:8080

You’ll see the welcome page of the Zend Skeleton application.

✅ Use Case

Zend is best used when:

• You need full control over routing, middleware, and service layers.
• You’re building enterprise-level apps with deep configuration and scalability.
• You want a modular architecture for API and web logic separation.