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How to Find & Hire Freelance PHP Developer

PHP software development seems to be less popular than, for example, JS programming. Still, this is a well-known technology, widely used for some digital products in recent years. Many companies are looking for a freelance PHP developer to complete tasks on the existing projects and update and improve them. A part time PHP programmer can provide valuable support for businesses that need occasional assistance with web development projects or ongoing maintenance and updates for their PHP-based websites or applications.

Why hiring a freelance PHP web developer is one of the priorities for modern businesses? PHP is beneficial for creating websites. It’s an efficient tool for web programming, launching online stores, and e-commerce projects. Websites generate traffic and conversions that make a business profit. That’s why a PHP freelance developer or Laravel freelance developer is always in demand. Laravel is one of the main PHP frameworks for website development. 

Most Content Management systems (CMS) are based on PHP and could be customized or improved by a part-time PHP programmer. Thanks to the simple management of CMS, even non-technical specialists can be website administrators and add some changes. That’s another advantage of this language. Let’s check the others.

Benefits and challenges that face PHP freelance programmer

According to a recent survey in the StackOverflow community, PHP is among the ten most popular programming languages. It is used by 20% of all experienced software engineers and those who have just started their careers. This technology allows for secure and easy-to-use websites, so even a part-time PHP Junior developer can create a high-quality product and meet customers’ business needs.

What are the advantages of PHP programming?

  • Versalite programming tool

No matter if you need a simple one-page website, or an online store with many categories, a PHP developer freelance can create anything you want. The technology solves various tasks: migrating to a new platform, developing a new shopping website, or creating a software product.

  • Clean code

Following the clean coding structure with good logic, a freelance web developer PHP expert is ready to complete any requirements for eCommerce or another complex project. It would be easier to make changes and update the product in the future.

  • Developed ecosystem

As PHP Core is a fundamental technology for many CMS platforms, a part-time PHP developer usually knows how to work with them. You can order a website built on Magento, WordPress, Drupal, etc. There is no problem managing any of these CMS platforms, even if you haven’t done this before.

  • High-security level

Asking a core PHP freelance programmer what they like in their leading technology, you would probably hear about the good security level. PHP is a multi-browser programming language. It demonstrates high cross-platform adaptability and allows the building software which is protected from cyber-attacks.

A freelance web developer PHP has high demand for many solid reasons. Now, we’ll look at the drawbacks of cooperation with a freelance developer PHP. 

Need to hire a freelance PHP developer for an existing or a new project?

What are the weaks of PHP programming?

  • Not suitable for large projects

PHP isn’t the best choice for big data solutions or other big software products as it doesn’t process well large amounts of data or complex calculations. It’s a good tool for small and medium businesses rather than enterprise development.

  • Requires extra learning

If a PHP programmer freelance wants to be successful and have many clients, they have to know various frameworks and CMS platforms. They need to learn each framework’s and platform’s specifics.

How to hire a freelance PHP programmer?

As the newest technologies (like JavaScript and Python) are becoming more popular among people studying programming, it becomes more and more challenging to hire a freelance PHP developer. For instance, about 10% of all software engineers know how to use the Laravel framework. So, let’s check the tips below that will help you search for a high-skilled PHP developer part-time for your project.

Skills of a freelance PHP programmer 

  • Frontend and Backend programming

A qualified PHP developer knows how to work as a Full-stack programmer and cover all tasks and issues on the project. They can build both the UI part of a website and the server.

  • Database management

If you want to hire freelance PHP developer, make sure they have experience with SQL and NoSQL databases. That’s important for all projects, especially online shopping platforms and eСommerce businesses operating user data.

  • Knowledge of Git and GitHub (or GitLab)

The ability to use code repositories is essential for all software engineers working in a team. These technologies help a freelance PHP MySQL programmer to add comments, edit code, and get feedback from colleagues. 

What qualifications check to find freelance PHP developer?

Let’s sum up. For technical skills: HTML/CSS knowledge, PHP Core, frameworks (Laravel or CodeIgniter), Git, database management, and CMS (Magento, WordPress, or any other). For soft skills, a part-time Laravel developer should be result-oriented, have an Intermediate + English level, have good communication, and have self-discipline.

The most popular PHP frameworks

You may need not just freelance Laravel developer or a freelance WordPress PHP developer. The PHP ecosystem includes many technologies, web frameworks, and CMS platforms. Here is an overview of the most common of them.

  • Symfony

Launched in 2005, the technology provides a PHP framework and a set of components at the same time. It has clear documentation, helpful support, and a community of 600+ thousand users. It is widely used by well-known retail and media projects and CMS platforms. For example, Magento or Joomla.

  • Laravel

The most famous PHP framework launched in 2011; it provides the essential components for website development, such as security features, fast page loading, and 15,000+ packages. So, many companies aim to hire Laravel developer. It is applied to websites from different industries, from fashion (Vogue) to retail, tourism, and construction.

  • CodeIgniter

Web developers choose CodeIgniter because it has minimum configurations and is perfect for MVP. The development process takes less time and is more flexible. Many projects, including FuelCMS, are based on the CodeIgniter framework.

Pros and cons of outstaffing company and freelance development

You can hire a PHP developer top freelance PHP developer on an online platform or make a contract with a php developers offshore company. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks.

Freelance DeveloperOutstaffing Company
You need to conduct interviews and spend time on the specialist’s onboarding You get a skilled developer who is already available for communication and completing tasks 
You manage the freelancer, set the list of tasks, and check deadlines The company is interested in a long-term cooperation and finishing tasks, no matter if the developer is ill or has a vacation
The freelancer doesn’t have commitments for long-term cooperation, can disappear, or choose another project The company is interested in long-term cooperation and finishes tasks, no matter is the developer is ill, or has a vacation
If you want to scale your team, you have to find professionals by yourselfThe company is always ready to provide you with more skilled digital specialists
The quality of work is guaranteed only by one person, the freelanceThe company is interested in a good reputation and high ratings, it ensures a high level of the software development services

As you can see, cooperation with a freelancer seems to be more flexible. The on-demand specialists get compensation for the completed tasks, and that’s all. At the same time, the outstaffing model is more reliable, saves time, and allows you to delegate hiring and management tasks to professionals.

Where to hire PHP developer freelance? Websites and other resources

When looking for a freelance Laravel developer, or freelance WordPress PHP developer, you can use different strategies. The easiest one is to ask your network or make a post with a job description on LinkedIn. Another is to check freelance platforms, such as Toptal, Upwork, or Fiverr. Last but not least is to cooperate with a software development company, choosing an outsourcing or outstaffing model. To find PHP developers for your project, explore online platforms like Upwork or Toptal, attend networking events or meetups, or reach out to your professional network for recommendations on skilled freelance PHP developers available for hire.

  • Toptal

The freelance platform is closed to everyone. A freelance PHP developer has to complete a test and confirm their professional skills to be listed on the website. Toptal claims it is gathering the 3% of best professionals worldwide.

  • Fiverr

The global freelance services marketplace makes hiring on-demand professionals smooth and easy. It has an extensive catalog of freelancers, including software engineers. The platform supports all the most popular languages and allows users to find professionals from any location.

  • Upwork

The most famous international website for cooperation with designers, programmers, marketing managers, writers, and other freelance specialists. Upwork offers a vast base of contacts, so it takes time to find something worth there. All specialists have a history of completed tasks, CVs, and reviews with ratings.

  • Mobilunity

The software development company offers flexible and convenient outstaff services. With an extensive database of contacts and well-set recruitment processes, Mobilunity is ready to provide you with a PHP freelance programmer in the short term. The company will do all interviews and management issues. You will get high-level web development services, like hundreds of Mobilunity clients. 

5 interview questions to find a freelance PHP developer

How to check the capabilities of the PHP programmer? You can ask these questions to see if the specialist feels confident and knows their field.

  • Name PHP design patterns that you usually use

The templates help programmers to write code and complete tasks faster. Some patterns are the Singleton or the Factory. But there are lots of them.

  • Can you get the number of elements in an array?

Yes, that’s possible. You can use the count() function if you need to return the elements in an array.

  • Name the most frequent error types in PHP.

The main error types in PHP are notices, warnings, and fatal. It’s important to keep an eye on them during debugging.

  • How to get the IP address of the client?

There are many ways to solve the problem, and all of them may be right. $_SERVER[“REMOTE_ADDR”] seems the easiest.

  • What functions are used to upload or download files?

They are move_uploaded_file() and eadfile().

Don’t forget to check soft skills like logic, communication skills, and the ability to be a team player, which are important for a PHP programmer freelance.

PHP developer hourly rate: a short overview

A PHP programmer freelance hourly rate depends on their seniority level, skills, years of experience, and location. You can see the different PHP developer freelance rates below.

JuniorMiddleSenior
USA$44$49$51,67
UK$16$27$38
Germany$27$33$37
Netherlands$20$27$38
Ukraine$25*$35*$50*

*Ukrainian salaries are provided based on Mobilunity’s Recruitment Team research on the local job markets. All salaries are net and do not include the service fee (in case of hiring on a dedicated team model). The salaries are provided for comparison purposes and could be not entirely accurate. Contact us to know the exact cost of hiring a developer corresponding to the required parameters.

The PHP developer salary per hour seems to be more reasonable in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe. Cooperation with Ukrainian outstaffing companies to find php programmer for hire is cost-effective and provides many benefits for your business.

Why is Mobilunity a reliable partner to hire freelance PHP developer?

Mobilunity is a Ukrainian company with western management and global delivery. It offers different cooperation models, including consulting services and short-term projects via the outstaffing model. The company is known for its well-established processes, deep expertise in web development, and client-centered approach. With Mobilunity you can hire Symfony developers and other programmers.

Reasons to consider Mobilunity a good software development services provider

  • Perfect reputation

Companies from Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, the USA, and many other countries, trust Mobilunity professionals. Minedia, Byrd, CampToCamp, and Esurance are among them. You can check their testimonials on the Mobilunity website or Clutch.co.

  • Skilled team

With 12+ years of experience and 40+ successful projects, the company gained expertise in different industries and business domains. It provides exceptional software development services that fully meet clients’ business needs.

  • Smooth communication

The cooperation in the distributed teams is well-established. With a high level of business ethics and clear cooperation processes, Mobilunity is the best choice for short-term or long-term cooperation. It’s a flexible and reliable business partner.

Need to hire a freelance PHP developer for an existing or a new project? Delegate Mobilunity to all recruitment and management tasks. Please fill out the form on the website, and let’s discuss your requirements!

All salaries and prices mentioned within the article are approximate NET numbers based on the research done by our in-house Recruitment Team. Please use these numbers as a guide for comparison purposes only and feel free to use the contact form to inquire on the specific cost of the talent according to your vacancy requirements and chosen model of engagement.

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