PHP: The Complete Guide to Hiring a Developer

PHP still powers a very large share of websites worldwide today, and understanding its current state matters before you commit to a project. Often wrongly seen as an outdated language, PHP has evolved considerably in recent years, notably thanks to modern frameworks like Laravel or Symfony. This guide covers what to know before hiring a PHP developer for your project in 2026.

What is PHP today?

PHP is a programming language built specifically for server-side web development. Since its early days, it has evolved considerably: recent versions of the language offer better performance, a more modern syntax, and stronger security compared to older versions still found on some legacy projects that haven't been touched in years.

Modern PHP vs. legacy PHP

There's an important difference between a modern PHP project, generally built with a framework like Laravel or Symfony and following current best practices, and a legacy PHP project, meaning old code, sometimes written without any framework and using practices that are now outdated. This distinction is essential to understand before hiring, since the skills needed to maintain a legacy project differ from those needed to build a new, modern one from the ground up.

How much does a PHP project cost?

The budget for a PHP project mainly depends on its functional complexity rather than the language itself. A project built with a modern framework like Laravel generally benefits from faster development thanks to tools provided out of the box, which can lower costs compared to PHP development without a framework. Browse our articles on PHP to explore every aspect of the language and its ecosystem.

How to hire the right PHP developer

Check that the developer is fluent in modern practices, not just an older version of the language learned years ago and never updated. Ask for examples of recent projects, ideally built with a framework, and ask the candidate how they keep up with the language's evolution and the surrounding ecosystem.

Freelancer or agency

A freelance PHP developer generally works well for a focused build or a maintenance mission, offering flexibility and a lower overall cost. An agency, on the other hand, brings a coordinated team that can be a better fit for larger projects with multiple simultaneous workstreams, such as a full platform rebuild involving design, development, and content.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Frequent mistakes include hiring a developer whose skills have stayed frozen on outdated PHP practices, underestimating the work required to maintain a legacy application, or neglecting security, a particularly sensitive topic on older, poorly maintained PHP applications that haven't been patched.

Getting started with PHP

PHP remains a solid, proven choice for many web projects, as long as you rely on modern practices and a developer whose skills are genuinely up to date. You can now browse PHP projects posted by recruiters to identify the profile that best fits your project.