PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) is an open-source, server-side programming language that is used primarily for web development. The use of PHP for popular content management systems like WordPress, its applications for legacy systems, its potential as a cost-effective solution, its easy scalability, and a wealth of resources have put PHP developers in high demand for U.S.-based tech companies.
Tech companies that are interested in web development and are in need of talented PHP developers may not know what skills to look for when searching for the perfect fit for their companies. Truss is here to help with a list of the Top 5 Skills for a Modern PHP Developer that will help you find talented remote developers that can help you drive growth for your company.
Contact Truss today to learn more about how our global hiring platform can help you find modern PHP developers that will add value to your team!
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What Essential Skills Do Modern PHP Developers Need to Have?
Modern PHP developers function as backend software engineers that develop, build, and maintain server-side code and processes that can be applied to websites and web applications. This skillset is essential to creating a connection between the visual elements of a website and specific databases and content management systems.

When you search for and hire modern PHP developers, it is critical that you find developers with the specific skillsets needed to complete the projects you have upcoming. The skills needed may vary based on the web development tasks and projects that you have planned — but talented PHP developers will need to have in-depth knowledge of various programming languages, PHP frameworks, database management, and more.
Here is a closer look at the essential skills that modern PHP developers need to have to succeed:
1. Master PHP Frameworks
A modern PHP developer needs to have mastery of PHP frameworks and the tools used to create them. It is important for PHP developers to have skill and experience with key frameworks like Laravel and Symfony that are integral to PHP web development. Potential employees for your tech company need to have experience with key PHP framework tools and platforms like Composer, PHPUnit, and Docker.
2. Experience with Frontend Programming and Integrations
PHP web developers need to have intense knowledge of many front-end programming languages in order to integrate server-side projects with the visual, frontend side of web applications. This means that modern PHP developers need to have skill with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming languages that can be used with frontend frameworks like Vue and React. PHP developers responsible for front-end integrations should also have the skill and ability to work with RESTful API integrations.
3. Skill with Database Management
Database management is a key component of modern web applications and modern PHP developers need to have skill and expertise with database management that can include experience with SQL databases — like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and NoSQL. In addition to experience with database management, modern PHP developers need to have an understanding of database design and optimization with knowledge of Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tools that help simplify Create, Read, Update, Delete (CRUD) operations.
4. In-Depth Knowledge of Security Best Practices
Security is an integral part of web development and skilled PHP developers need to have in-depth knowledge of security best practices. Modern PHP developers responsible for building secure web applications need to know the best methods to prevent common security issues that can include XSS and SQL Injection. These developers need to have the skills to optimize and apply improved web security with caching, optimized code, and improved resource management.
5. Deep Understanding of Version Control
Version control is a fundamental aspect of PHP web development and potential hires for your tech company need to have a deep understanding of version control systems. Git is a primary version control system that is used to better manage code, collaborate with other web development teams, and maintain clean code. It is important that modern PHP developers have the skills and experience to understand version control strategies, merging, and how to resolve issues.
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Find, Recruit, and Hire Remote PHP Developers with Truss
You have a list of the Top 5 Skills for Modern PHP Developers — but how do you find the right fit for your tech company? How do you find developers with the specific skills you need to complete your web development team? Truss may be able to provide a solution with a global hiring platform.
Truss has years of experience finding, recruiting, hiring, and managing remote tech employees and web developers in Central Asia and other regions around the world. We will use your list of essential skills and salary requirements to find and recruit a list of potential candidates that check all the boxes. When you have found the right fit for your company, we will help onboard and manage remote developers, including global payroll services. In addition to finding the right fit for your team, Truss can serve as your Employer of Record (EOR) in Central Asia to help ensure that you remain above board and compliant with the local employment laws.
Contact Truss today to learn more about our global hiring platform and how we can help you find the perfect fit for your tech company!