Frameworks are always a topic to get hot and heavy about. Everyone has their own opinions; some say they suck while others use them as a religion. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
If you don't use a framework then you catch yourself coding things that you probably shouldn't be wasting your time on. On the other hand, if you use one then you probably catch yourself feeling uncomfortable when you have to branch outside of the framework for the first time in awhile. You are either for or against frameworks, but there are some in the middle who just want something simple. They want something that won't change their style, but will give them enough to streamline the process.
This is where my new PHP Front-end framework comes in handy, Framefront.
What is Framefront?
Framefront is the most simplistic front-end framework you'll ever meet. The entire structure consists of only three simple parts: Your Views, Your Templates, and The Core (25 lines of code). Your Views. The primary area where your information is portrayed. Views can hold PHP, hardcoded (X)HTML, or even database driven information. The flexibility is endless.
Your Templates. Framefront understands that you need flexibility within your templates. That's why there are zero restrictions, no special rules, and no proprietary tags. Just your clean XHTML and PHP coded to your perfection. I have packaged Framefront to include 2 empty template files awaiting your direction.
The Core. The core, also called The Controller, is only 25 lines of code. It controls what views to feed your templates, has the ability to determine if the view does not exists, and has the ability to turn off templates for any specific view. If your view does not exist, Framefront will feed an alternative custom 404 view right inside of your template.
Who should use Framefront?
Framefront is for those who want to use PHP driven websites, but either gets tired programming the same basic PHP over and over, or for one who do not have the knowledge to do it on their own.
Framefront is for the novice to advanced PHP users. If you build websites in PHP, and are looking for the flexibility you deserve, it's perfect for you.
How do you use Framefront?
It's very simple to get started with Framefront. There are two steps to getting started: 1) download the files, and 2) copy and paste the files to your root directory. When you are done getting everything set up all you have to do is code your template in XHTML/CSS, and then code your XHTML/CSS (or PHP) into your views.
Why did I build Framefront?
Just like all my other scripts, I really didn't mean to. Overtime I modified and built my own bare-bone system which has allowed me to get right to XHTML'ing my templates and populating my views with content.
It all boils down to one thing: Framefront is not a fancy piece of software; it's just my bare-bones template/views handler which I have packaged, branded, and is now Framefront. This framework has helped me so much I couldn't just keep it to myself; I had to brand it just in case someone else could benefit from it.
Until next time, follow me on twitter, @michaeldick