I have never used a framework before but have played with PHP for a little over 10 years.
I have been told that Frameworks are really good and I should look at it and I want to take the step for a small project I am just about to start - BUT, I have 3-4 weeks and I’m not sure if I can learn how to use a framework and build the app within the required timeframe.
So…
How much time should I set aside to bring myself up to speed with Laravel?
How is Laravel better than any other framework (or is it much of a muchness)?
Below is a list of functions I need to build into the app - how much would already exist in the framework?
Check IMAP email Inbox
Get message and check for attachment
Extract attachment and read contents of text file
Re-format and export into CSV
SFTP CSV to another server
Send CSV as attachment
I am more asking to understand how much it will help with to understand it’s capabilities because I still don’t fully understand the benefits (most benefits spruiked in features don’t make a lot of sense to me)
I would set aside around one hour every day. Come up with a simple project (Like a forum?) and work with it. Try to integrate as much of the framework into it as possible. Then move onto other, larger, projects.
Laravel is, in my opinion, the best framework out there. The idea of convention over configuration just sits extremely well with me.
And for your last question. This is the beautiful part of Laravel. What it does not have inside the framework already can be easily found with a search on packagist.org.
A framework is simply there to facilitate development. The items you are talking about are items that are to be developed. Frameworks simply provide the means to do so.
