Laravel vs Symfony: A Detailed Comparison For 2023

Table of Contents

Preface

Choosing the right PHP backend framework to build web applications is a make-or-break decision. When it comes to the best PHP frameworks, Laravel and Symfony have secured their top position by providing robust and reliable web applications.

According to BuiltWith, 1,706,641 websites use Laravel, and 110,124 websites use Symfony. The data signifies the popularity, performance, and extensive features that make Laravel and Symfony developers’ favorites.

But choosing among these two becomes even more challenging because of their advantages. Thus, we have curated this blog to help you decide which PHP framework would be ideal for your project.

In this comparison guide, you will find an in-depth comparison of Laravel vs Symfony, its advantages and disadvantages, its use cases, and when to choose or not.

Difference Between Laravel and Symfony

Let’s compare Laravel and Symfony and how these two PHP frameworks differ.

Laravel vs Symfony: A Side-by-Side In-Depth Comparison

As we can see, there’s tough competition among the popular PHP backend frameworks. Let’s discuss it more through in-depth comparison.

Laravel vs Symfony Performance

Websites using Laravel take 60 milliseconds, and Symfony takes 250 milliseconds to load. Laravel has a faster performance in terms of response time compared to Symfony.

When it comes to the Symfony vs Laravel benchmark, Symfony has better memory usage and processing time. In the Laravel vs symfony performance, Laravel is the winner.

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Symfony vs Laravel Learning Curve

The Laravel learning curve is easy to learn, and the Symfony learning curve is difficult to understand. Laravel has intuitive APIs that make it easier for developers to learn about documentation and video support.

Symfony’s modular design lets developers choose which components to use and provides documentation.

Laravel or Symfony for Architecture

Laravel has the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, and Symfony follows the MVC and Model-View-Controller-Entity (MVCE) architectural patterns.

Comparing Symfony and Laravel, Symfony is more flexible in creating efficient web applications.

Templating Engine Comparison: Symfony vs Laravel

Symfony uses the Twig templating engine, known for its extensibility and simplicity. Laravel uses the Blade templating engine, which offers a robust template and easy-to-learn syntax.

However, both templating engines add functionality in various ways. Also, both templating engines handle variable access differently.

Scalability and Modularity of Symfony and Laravel

Symfony’s modular systems can be scaled and tailored per the project’s requirements. Laravel can be managed with load balancing and route caching using the Artisan command-line tool.

Thus, Symfony’s component-based architecture offers more flexibility than Laravel’s monolithic architecture.

Laravel and Symfony: Which Offers Better Security?

Laravel has a built-in encryption system that secures data. Symfony provides granular security options that catch security vulnerabilities during the initial development stage.

Symfony provides advanced security features, whereas the Laravel version offers basic security features. The Symfony framework vs Laravel both deliver robust security.

Database Support: Symfony or Laravel

Both PHP frameworks support object-relational mapping (ORM). Symfony’s ORM is handled by Doctrine, and Laravel’s ORM is managed by Eloquent.

Symfony provides MySQL, Drizzle, SAP Sybase SQL, and Oracle. Laravel supports PostgreSQL, SQLServer, MySQL, and SQLite.

Laravel or Symfony for Fastest Speed

Laravel has built-in features and tools like the Artisan command-line interface that make the development process faster. Symfony’s routing system and microservices optimize the web development process.

Both frameworks can deliver fast performance, but Symfony requires advanced features to optimize performance.

Code Structure Comparison: Symfony or Laravel?

Symfony has a steeper curve that emphasizes separating different components, while Laravel’s convention over configuration approach makes it easier for developers to start the process.

Comparing PHP Symfony vs Laravel for code structure, Laravel offers simplicity and ease of use for developers.

Laravel and Symfony Scaffolding Tools

Laravel’s scaffolding tool “Artisan” support models, test controllers, and database migrations. Symfony’s scaffolding tool “MakerBundle” supports testing, database migration, and security.

Laravel’s built-in authentication systems simplify adding functionality, whereas Symfony provides generators to create entitles and forms. Both are efficient in their way.

Laravel vs Symfony Popularity

Laravel PHP framework holds the cup in terms of popularity. Laravel has a large community, while Symfony is less widely used than Laravel.

Laravel developers can find immense support from the latest Laravel documentation, Laracast discussion forum, Codebright, Treehouse, and Sitepoint. Symfony developers get enough support from the official documentation page.

Pros and Cons of Laravel

It is essential to know the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. Thus, here are the pros and cons of Laravel.

Pros and Cons of Symfony

Use Cases of Laravel and Symfony

Let’s look at the examples of renowned companies that have used Laravel and Symfony for web applications:

Laravel Real-Life Examples

FedEx

Using Laravel, FedEx has managed a large volume of requests and provided real-time shipping information to clients

Vogue

Laravel’s templating engine has to assist Vogue in delivering content with its extensive library of pre-built components.

Tesla

Using the PHP framework, Tesla handles a large number of transactions, and Laravel’s flexible routing helps to create personalized as well as secure user experiences.

BuzzFeed

Laravel’s modular architecture helps Buzzfeed build highly scalable CMS, and its database migration tools manage complex data.

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Market Usage Statistics of Laravel

• Of all the frameworks that exist today, Laravel stands at a market share of 0.32%.
• Approximately 80,144 live websites are currently using the PHP Laravel framework.
• In the USA, 3,48,499 websites are using Laravel.

Symfony Real-life Examples

Spotify

Using Symfony’s caching and optimization, Spotify can deliver a quick and responsive user experience and manage large requests.

The Economist

Symfony PHP framework helped the Economist build faster and highly customizable websites that deliver seamless reading experiences and secure users’ data.

Dailymotion

With Symfony’s flexible architecture, Dailymotion can manage numerous users and operate video streaming efficiently.

Drupal

Symfony’s extensible architecture allows Drupal to build scalable CMS and deploy new features.

Market Usage Statistics of Symfony

• Relatively, the market share of the Symfony framework is quite low at 0.04%.
• At present, 10,633 websites are using Symfony.
• In the USA market, 16,973 websites are using the Symfony components or the framework.

PHP Laravel vs Symfony: When to Choose What?

Still, confused about which one is better? Let’s simplify it and understand when to choose and not to.

When to Choose Laravel

• For rapid development and deployment of web applications
• When you are looking to customize applications
• Want to build ResTful APIs for quick and easy application development
• Ensure consistent quality code and modern syntax

When Not to Choose Laravel

• While managing specific tasks and the structure of the code
• When developing a small website that doesn’t require much customization
• Its synchronous approach to handling requests unsuitable for multiple projects
• Lack of maintenance makes it challenging and time-consuming

When to Choose Symfony

• When you are looking for a new latest framework to implement
• Flexible architecture and scalable framework
• Ideal for long-term projects and faster development
• Integration with other systems

When Not to Choose Symfony

• For smaller projects and fewer requirements for the projects
• Projects with limited resources like budget and time
• Restrictions on coding and simple framework
• Dependency on other systems and components

Laravel or Symfony? Pick the Right Framework for Your Project

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Laravel more popular than Symfony?

Laravel is more popular because of its quick development capabilities, supportive developer community, extensive rich features, and ease to use.

Are Laravel and Symfony coding similar?

Symfony and Laravel are similar because Laravel uses 3rd party libraries from Symfony’s components. However, using the Laravel framework makes it easier to learn and developer-friendly

Why is Symfony performance monitoring better than Laravel?

Symfony benchmark because of its built-in performance tools, such as Debug Toolbar and Profiler, that make it easier to identify performance and optimize code. Laravel also provides similar but is less comprehensive than Symfony.

Is Symfony difficult to learn?

No, but it is challenging for initial developers due to its complex architecture, advanced features, and extensive documentation. It may require an experienced developer to build robust web applications.

How easy is it to switch between Laravel and Symfony for a project?

Switching Laravel to Symfony can be tricky because they have different coding approaches and architectures. However, an experienced developer can make the transition smoother by understanding differences and similarities.