What is the Difference Between Zend Framework 1 and 2

The main difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2 is that Zend 1 is an open source PHP framework that is compatible with PHP 5 while Zend 2 is an open source PHP framework that is compatible with PHP 5.3+ with additional features than Zend 1 such as namespace, late static binding, lambda functions, and closures.

There are a number of frameworks in PHP. These frameworks consist of required classes to develop web applications. One such framework is Zend, which is an open source that supports Model, View, and Controller (MVC) architectural pattern.  It provides any PHP stack and Zend server to run Zend framework applications. Zend 1 and 2 are two versions of the Zend framework. Zend 1 is not backward compatible with Zend 2 as PHP 5.3+ rewrites most available components.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Zend Framework 1
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Zend Framework 2
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Zend Framework 1 and 2
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Zend Framework 1, Zend Framework 2

What is Zend Framework 1

Zend framework 1 is an open source framework that uses PHP 5. It implements 100% object-oriented code. It has a component structure and follows a loosely coupled architecture. Therefore, the programmers can use the components individually in their applications. It is also called “use at will” design. There are various components available in the standard library that can be used to develop a powerful and extensible web application. Zend 1 provides a number of features including database abstraction and form components. Furthermore, there is Zend_Auth and Zend Acl for user authentication and authorization.

What is Zend Framework 2

Zend framework 2 is a framework that uses PHP 5.3+. It supports object orientation and consists of features such as namespaces, late static binding, lambda functions, and closures. Moreover, it follows SOLID object oriented design principle. Although Zend technologies developed this framework, other companies such as Google, Microsoft, StrickIron also supported to improve it.  Furthermore, there is a lot of contributors around the world that support Zend 2.Furthermore, Zend framework 2 follows a unique component structure. Each component has few dependencies on other components. Thus, the developers can easily use these components as they want.  Also, it provides database abstraction, forms component for validation, and filtering. Furthermore, there are components to provide user authentication and authorization against all common credential stores. Therefore, the programmer can use this component for their applications. Moreover, it reduces the overall development time.

Difference Between Zend Framework 1 and 2

Definition

Zend framework 1 is an open source framework for developing web applications and services with PHP 5. In contrast, Zend Framework 2 is an open source framework for developing web applications and services using PHP 5.3+. 

Compatible PHP Version

Thus, the main difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2 is the PHP version compatibility. That is; the Zend framework 1 is compatible with PHP 5 while the Zend framework is compatible with PHP 5.3 or higher.

Features

Zend 2 has additional features than Zend 1 such as namespace, late static binding, lambda functions, and closures. Hence, this is an important difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2.

Type

Furthermore, Zend 1 is an older version while Zend 2 is a newer version.

Speed

Speed is also a major difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2. Zend 2 is slower than Zend 1 as it calls more functions in the background than Zend 1.

Size of Installation

Another difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2 is that while Zend 1 file size is 30MB, Zend 2 file size is approximately 2.5MB (Zipped).

Conclusion

The main difference between Zend Framework 1 and 2 is that Zend 1 is an open source PHP framework that is compatible with PHP 5 while Zend 2 is an open source PHP framework that is compatible with PHP 5.3+ with additional features than Zend 1 such as namespace, late static binding, lambda functions, and closures.

Reference:

1. “Overview”  Zend Framework 2 2.4.13dev Documentation, Available here.
2. Zend. “Manual – Documentation.” Zend Framework, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “ZendFramework-Logo” By Zend Technologies – (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia