Is CodeIgniter Worth Learning in 2023?

When it comes to choosing the right framework for your development journey, the decision often hinges on your current level of understanding, future career goals, and the skills you wish to develop. CodeIgniter is one of the popular PHP frameworks that can help you level up your skills, but the question remains - is it worth the time investment in 2023?

Deciding Factors: Understanding and Goals

Before delving into any framework, including CodeIgniter, it's crucial to have a solid foundation in programming. Specifically, understanding Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), along with some design patterns like the Singleton and Factory patterns, will significantly aid in your development journey. These concepts form the backbone of modern frameworks and will help you understand and effectively work with different frameworks in the long run.

Short-Term Versus Long-Term Goals

If your primary goal is to earn some pocket money or pursue a short-term career in web development, CodeIgniter can be a practical choice. However, if you have long-term career aspirations, the future of PHP and its related frameworks, especially in the context of CodeIgniter, is not as promising. According to industry data from platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor, PHP developers, including those with CodeIgniter experience, generally earn lower salaries in both India and the United States.

It's important to evaluate the long-term prospects of the framework you choose, especially if you're looking to build a sustainable career in web development.

Entry-Level Choices

For beginners, CodeIgniter stands out as a prime entry point. It offers a manageable and rapid learning curve, making it easier for new developers to grasp the fundamentals of web development. Many IT companies favor CodeIgniter for its speed and efficiency in developing web applications and web services.

Moving Forward

While CodeIgniter might be a great start, it's important to plan for growth and advancement. After gaining some experience with CodeIgniter, you can transition to more advanced frameworks like Symfony or Laravel. The key is to build a strong foundation and then expand your skills as you progress. For advanced developers, Symfony or Laravel might be more suitable choices due to their comprehensive features and community support.

Community and Popularity

When choosing a framework, it's also beneficial to consider the community and support available. Popular frameworks like Laravel and Symfony have built large communities, making it easier to find packages, examples, and help. In contrast, CodeIgniter has a smaller community, which can sometimes limit resources and support.

For beginners, Laravel is often recommended due to its popularity and the high demand in job listings. Many job ads in 2023 indicate a preference for Laravel and Symfony over CodeIgniter.

This doesn't mean CodeIgniter is without its merits. It's a robust framework with a proven track record in web development. However, if enhancing your employability is your primary goal, other frameworks might be more beneficial in the long run.

In conclusion, CodeIgniter can be a valuable framework if you are a beginner or looking for a quick start in web development. However, for long-term career growth and positioning in the competitive web development field, it might be more advantageous to explore other frameworks like Laravel and Symfony.