Zend Framework is a high quality open source framework for developing Web Applications and Web Services with PHP.
The Zend Framework is a collection of common PHP classes which sits above the PHP layer. It packages classes and code, used for common functions such as connecting to databases and creating PDF's, into one easy-to-use application. Using the Zend Framework negates the need for developers to rewrite already existing code, and so significantly speeds up the development process as well as providing the stability ensured by the use of proven code patterns.
While Zend Framework provides an almost ready to use application, it also grants complete flexibility, allowing developers to adapt the application to their own needs.
The expertise of the qualified PHP developers who have worked on the project have ensured a high-quality, stable tool. Zend Framework is covered by unit tests, automatic self-testing mechanisms which ensure that the Framework is constantly tested and monitored.
In addition, Zend Framework has a clean IP. All contributors to the project have signed a contributor license attesting that their contributions have not been previously copyrighted, thus ensuring peace of mind for developers and allowing free use of all content within the Framework.
For more on Zend Framework, visit the Zend Framework Homepage at http://framework.zend.com.
Zend Framework is available as an optional component during the Zend Core installation process. If you did not install Zend Framework during your Zend Core installation, you can install it using the Zend Updater (see below).
As Zend Framework is an open source project, new updates are constantly
being added.
For the latest Zend Framework news and updates, make sure you are added
to Zend Framework's mailing list:
Alternately, visit the Zend Framework portal in order to see the latest Zend Framework news: http://framework.zend.com
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To install/update Zend Framework:
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The latest version of Zend Framework will be downloaded and its location automatically added to the include path in your php.ini file. |
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Note
During the Zend Core installation, the Zend Framework
library will be placed in a folder entitled "ZendFramework".
By default, this can be found in:
Linux/Unix/Mac: /usr/local/Zend/ZendFramework
Windows: C:\Program Files\Zend\Core\ZendFramework
Once Zend Framework's library has been added to your include path, there are two ways to load Zend Framework's classes in your script:
1. Using the Zend Loader:
The Zend Loader utility class checks whether the class already exists within the script. If it does, it will create the relevant file from the class name using Zend Framework's naming convention (See http://framework.zend.com/manual/en/coding-standard.naming-conventions.html for more information on Zend Framework's naming conventions). If the class already exists, this will speed up performance.
Using the Zend Loader also has the added advantage of loading classes outside of Zend Framework.
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To use the Zend Loader:
Require_once 'Zend/Loader.php';
Zend_Loader::loadClass('Zend_Class_Name'); For example, in order to load the Zend Http Client: Zend_Loader:: loadClass('Zend_Http_Client); |
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2. Using require / include calls
Classes can also be called using the conventional require or include calls:
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To use 'require class': Enter a 'require' command for the relevant file into your script: Require 'File.php'; For example, to require the Zend Http Client Class: require 'Zend/Http/client.php'; |
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In order to see a full list of Zend Framework's components, including more information on the functionality and use of the various components, see http://framework.zend.com/manual
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Related Links: |
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