What is CodeIgniter?
CodeIgniter framework is a PHP MVC framework used for developing web applications rapidly. It provides out of the box libraries for connecting to the database and performing various operations like sending emails, uploading files, managing sessions, etc.
CodeIgniter Features
Let’s see some of the features that make CodeIgniter framework great. The following list is not exhaustive but gives you an idea of what to expect when working with CodeIgniter.
Small footprint
The entire source code for CodeIgniter framework is close to 2MB. This makes it easy to master CodeIgniter and how it works. It also simplifies deploying and updating it.
Blazing fast
Users tend to favor applications that load very fast. If you have worked with some of the modern frameworks, then you will realize that they take less than one second to load just after installation. CodeIgniter framework can load on average around less than 50ms. The extra time spent optimizing like is the case in another framework is freed up when you are working with CodeIgniter framework.
Loosely coupled
The built-in features are designed to work independently without relying too much on other components. This makes it easy to maintain and make upgrades
MVC Architecture
The PHP CodeIgniter framework uses the Model-View-Controller architectural design. It is industry standard practices when working with web applications. MVC separates the data, business logic, and presentation.
Excellent documentation:
The framework is well documented, and there are good books, tutorials and answered forum questions on CodeIgniter. This means whatever challenge that you have, chances are someone has already encountered the problem, solved it and the solution is out there for you.
Application specific built-in components:
CodeIgniter framework has components for sending email, database management, session management and many more as you will discover as we continue with the tutorials.
Extendable:
CodeIgniter comes with some libraries, and helpers out of the box. If what you want is not there or you would like to implement an existing feature your way. Then you can do so easily by creating your libraries, helpers, packages, etc. You can also create REST API in CodeIgniter.
Short learning curve:
CodeIgniter is easy to master for anyone who is already familiar with PHP. Within a very short time, the student can Learn CodeIgniter and start developing professional applications using CodeIgniter.
How CodeIgniter Works?
CodeIgniter is an MVC framework. MVC stands for Model View Controller. When a user requests a resource, the controller responds first. The controller understands the user request then request the necessary data if necessary.
For example, if you want to retrieve a customer with the id= 3, the controller will receive your request, then request the CodeIgniter models to retrieve the record with the id of 3. The CodeIgniter models will return the record to the controller. The controller then forwards the result to the view which formats it into a human-readable format. Then the results are returned to the user in the browser.