Skip to Content

Need a PHP Developer? Here’s What You Must Know First

June 14, 2025 by
Lewis Calvert

If you're planning to build or upgrade a website or web application, chances are you'll need a PHP developer. PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, remains one of the most widely used scripting languages in web development today. It powers platforms like WordPress, Facebook, and countless eCommerce systems. But before you start looking for a PHP expert, it’s essential to understand what PHP developers actually do, why they’re in demand, and how to find the right fit for your business.

Whether you’re building from scratch or maintaining an existing platform, working with a reliable Web Development Company or choosing to hire PHP developers in India can save time, reduce costs, and dramatically improve the quality of your digital product.

Here’s what you should know before hiring a PHP developer.

What Does a PHP Developer Do?

A PHP developer specializes in writing server-side scripts using the PHP language. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Building dynamic websites and web applications
  • Developing or integrating databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
  • Writing clean, maintainable backend code
  • Creating or customizing CMS platforms like WordPress, Magento, or Joomla
  • Developing RESTful APIs
  • Ensuring website security and scalability
  • Troubleshooting bugs and performance issues

The best PHP developers also work with front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create seamless full-stack solutions.

Why PHP Still Matters in 2025

Despite the emergence of newer languages and frameworks, PHP remains relevant for several reasons:

  • Widespread Adoption: Over 75% of websites still use PHP in some form.
  • Open-Source Ecosystem: PHP offers a massive collection of libraries and frameworks (like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter).
  • Cost-Effective Hosting: PHP applications can run on affordable, shared hosting plans.
  • Strong Community Support: PHP has one of the largest developer communities, offering strong documentation and problem-solving forums.

Because of these benefits, many startups and enterprises still prefer PHP for web development projects. Working with a seasoned Web Development Company that specializes in PHP ensures you leverage its full potential.

Hiring In-House vs. Outsourcing: What’s Best?

You have two main options when hiring PHP developers: building an in-house team or outsourcing to external professionals or agencies.

In-House Hiring:

  • Offers more control and real-time collaboration
  • Suitable for companies with long-term, continuous development needs
  • Requires overhead costs like salaries, benefits, office space, and tools

Outsourcing:

  • Cost-effective, especially when you hire PHP developers in India
  • Access to a larger global talent pool
  • Flexible engagement models (hourly, part-time, full-time)
  • Ideal for startups and growing businesses with limited budgets

Many companies prefer outsourcing to a trusted Web Development Company for the added benefit of project management, scalability, and accountability.

Why Hire PHP Developers in India?

India is one of the top global destinations for PHP development outsourcing. Here's why:

  • Skilled Talent Pool: India produces thousands of skilled IT graduates every year, many of whom specialize in PHP and related technologies.
  • Affordability: Indian developers charge significantly less than their Western counterparts, often without compromising on quality.
  • English Proficiency: Most Indian developers communicate effectively in English, minimizing language barriers.
  • Experience with Global Clients: Indian developers often have experience working with companies from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Europe.

By choosing to hire PHP developers in India, businesses can build robust, scalable platforms at a fraction of the cost.

What to Look for in a PHP Developer

Before hiring, ensure your PHP developer meets the following criteria:

  1. Technical Skills:
    • Strong command of PHP and MySQL
    • Familiarity with frameworks like Laravel or Symfony
    • Basic front-end skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
    • Experience with version control (e.g., Git)
  2. Problem-Solving Ability:
    • Can debug and fix complex backend issues
    • Understands performance optimization techniques
  3. Portfolio and Past Work:
    • Has developed or maintained websites similar to yours
    • Can provide references or case studies
  4. Communication:
    • Clear and proactive communication is essential, especially for remote work
  5. Work Ethics and Reliability:
    • Delivers projects on time
    • Open to feedback and revisions

A reliable Web Development Company will screen developers for these traits and match you with the right talent for your project.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

  • Have you worked on similar projects before?
  • Can you share examples of websites or apps you’ve developed?
  • What PHP frameworks are you most comfortable with?
  • How do you handle bug fixes and ongoing maintenance?
  • What time zone do you work in, and how do you communicate?

These questions help you evaluate both technical competence and cultural fit.

Conclusion

Hiring a PHP developer isn’t just about finding someone who can write code—it’s about choosing a partner who understands your business goals and can deliver secure, scalable, and high-performing digital solutions.

Whether you're launching a startup, building a new web application, or maintaining an existing site, working with a trusted Web Development Company ensures you get access to experienced developers, streamlined workflows, and ongoing support. And if you're looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality, choosing to hire PHP developers in India is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Get your project off the ground with the right team—and let PHP power your digital success.