PHP Developer Responsibilities

Last Updated on 2024-12-10

Despite their popularity in the market, a PHP developer’s full job description isn’t widely known. Today, let’s learn more about PHP developer responsibilities and what their role is in development. 

PHP developers are in high demand within the business world. In 2021, PHP usage dominated the market share at 45.43%, making it the most popular programming language.

Companies, large and small, are racing to acquire the best PHP talent in the field. With the rising need for innovation, the demand for PHP developers will also grow.

Because of its flexible usability and low-cost nature, PHP is a prime choice for startups, as well as big corporations. In fact, there are several Fortune 500 companies currently using PHP for their websites. Some of the most well-known brands using PHP are Facebook, Tumblr, and iStockPhoto.

Even though PHP experts are popular, not many know what they truly offer in terms of technical expertise. What makes them stand out from other developers? Do they have a specific set of skills unique to their specialization?

Today, we’ll look into the PHP developer responsibilities and range of accountability. Here are the key points:

• What is a PHP Developer?
• Roles of a PHP Developer
• PHP Developer Responsibilities
• PHP Developer Job Requirements
• Hire a PHP Developer

Let’s start by defining the role itself.

What is a PHP Developer?

By job definition, a PHP developer specializes in creating programs applications for clients. They are typically part of a software development team working in the backend part of a project. Their area of focus is frequently web-based. In simpler terms, they create the client’s websites.

One thing to note is that the PHP language is only used for creating websites. Although a PHP developer can collaborate with a mobile app developer, they can’t create mobile applications with PHP only. We’ve further discussed the PHP developer position in our other blog, What is a PHP Developer.  

Roles of a PHP Developer

Now that we know the job definition of a PHP developer, let’s further study their role in development. PHP developers tend to take on multiple tasks in a development cycle.

They are heavily involved in every stage, from planning, deployment, and maintenance. On top of that, they also have internal responsibilities for the team such as technical training. Here are some of the roles a PHP Developer takes on.

1.  Development Strategist

The planning stage of a project requires PHP developers to take on a data analysis role. It is their job to gather and study the project requirements, as well as the issues it comes with.

They have to be able to come up with a development plan and set the time and resource estimates for the project. This includes identifying the methods and tools the team will be using. Normally, the developer would also lead the stage of designing the software’s architecture. 

2. Web Developer

A PHP developer’s primary role is building and designing a client’s website. Their key responsibilities as programmers include writing PHP scripts to construct or change software and applications. They design the said program according to the client’s demand and requirements.

PHP Developers write, test, and maintain code for the back-end of the website. Simultaneously, they also support the front-end development needs. They create the basic website functions like user logins, image or file uploads, blogs, and e-commerce checkout flows. 

3. Tester

Before finalizing the site for launch, a PHP developer must comb out every possible error. As testers, they have to run tests for every page to properly debug it.

Furthermore, they have to get feedback from the client to ensure they’ve met the requirements. They can only implement the web page once they’ve received the client’s approval and the site has been fully tested.

4. Web Maintenance

It’s also part of the developer’s role to take charge of post-development maintenance. They have to take accountability for their code and the team’s general work.

Once the website has been launched, they have to consistently debug issues and documentation them. Likewise, they also have to implement updates and changes as per the client’s instructions. 

5. User Support and Training

Generally speaking, developers must manage all aspects of training and support as a vital component of the deployment cycle. This might include working with other team members to create training films, infographics, or tutorials. On other occasions, they might also provide live assistance and problem-solving.

This role involves pushing out updates to keep the applications working smoothly. They have to ensure all security precautions are followed, as well as diagnose issues when they emerge.

PHP Developer Responsibilities

PHP developers have a wide range of responsibilities. They’ll be working with multiple technologies, depending on the scale of a project. Here are the most common responsibilities of a PHP developer:

• Create and deploy a range of Web-based products using PHP, MySQL, Ajax, and JavaScript.
• Build back-end components, connect the app to other web services, and assist front-end developers
• Create, record, and maintain cutting-edge web-based PHP apps on premium service platforms and portals.
• Using standard development tools, prepare and manage all apps.
• Provide technical advice and expertise to all product managers as well as other members of the team.
• Write technical and non-technical requirements, as well as keep track of all procedures.
• Review product requirements papers and collaborate with partners on call integration.
• Communicate effectively all task progress, assessments, ideas, schedules, and technical and procedural challenges.
• Ensure that identified PHP development concerns are resolved for various clients, ranging from top management to technical people.
• Evaluation, design, development, and support of application systems is the duty of the head.
• Ensure that all paperwork is clear and thorough.
• Interpret and assess company demands to identify risks and provide appropriate solutions.
• Collaborate with all skilled functional consultants to create design criteria.
• Create client-specific interfaces, processes, and data analysis libraries using the most up-to-date technologies.
• Provide technical guidance for business decisions like performance, reliability, scalability, and security.
• Write all object-oriented PHP and SQL in a clean and fast manner.
• Maintain and modify existing websites, as well as develop semantic markup.

PHP Developer Job Requirements

A PHP developer is a high-level position that typically requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. This position requires strong problem-solving abilities and a genuine desire to overcome technological problems. These are some of the basic requirements for the position: 

• Understanding of SQL and related databases
• Excellent understanding of fundamental PHP 7 or web server vulnerabilities, as well as how to fix them.
• Experience in building and managing a content management system (CMS) 
• Understanding of MVC frameworks.
• Thorough knowledge of database architecture and management.
• Expertise in code versioning tools
• Ability to combine data from multiple sources and databases into a single system.

Hire PHP Developers from Full Scale

Developer recruitment is an incredibly long and tedious process. It’s especially challenging if you’re looking to hire PHP developers who are in high demand. This is why a lot of companies turn to offshore talent instead.

An offshore outsourcing company like Full Scale can help you hire PHP developers from the Philippines. At Full Scale, we’ve developed an extensive screening process that vets only the best applicants for the job.

Our applicants go through a meticulous assessment, undergoing technical interviews and technical exams. We streamline our process to filter only the most qualified and impressive candidates.  

Our PHP developers are a mix of junior, mid-level, and senior developers with some of them experienced in Full Stack PHP, PHPUnit, and CakePHP. Contact us to learn more about our recruitment services.