Quick answer
When should you hire a PHP developer instead of a framework specialist?
Hire a PHP developer when you have a custom or older PHP website, need bug fixes, a PHP version upgrade, new features in core PHP or CodeIgniter, or help moving old code to Laravel. SI Experts gives you a skilled PHP developer by the hour or month, with clear reports and a quote after a free call.
Key takeaways
- PHP runs a large share of websites, including WordPress and Laravel apps.
- Many businesses still run custom core PHP or CodeIgniter sites that need care.
- Old PHP versions stop getting security fixes, so upgrades matter.
- A PHP developer can fix, upgrade or slowly move old code to Laravel.
- Cost depends on code quality, task size, server setup and hours needed.
- Always take backups and test on a staging copy before changes go live.
What does a PHP developer do?
A PHP developer writes and maintains server-side code in PHP. This code handles forms, logins, database work, emails, payments and pages on many websites and web apps.
When you hire a PHP developer, you usually need help with one of three things: building something custom, fixing or improving an existing site, or upgrading old code so it stays safe and fast.
Common PHP tasks we handle
- Bug fixes on custom PHP websites and admin panels
- PHP version upgrades, for example from PHP 5.x or 7.x to PHP 8
- New features in core PHP, CodeIgniter or CakePHP projects
- Contact forms, enquiry systems and email alerts
- MySQL database fixes, slow query fixes and data cleanup
- Payment gateway and SMS or WhatsApp API connections
- Moving old core PHP code to Laravel step by step
- Security fixes after a hack or malware infection
PHP developer vs Laravel developer: which do you need?
Hire a general PHP developer for older custom code and mixed tasks. Hire a Laravel developer for new apps or existing Laravel projects.
| Need | PHP developer | Laravel developer |
|---|---|---|
| Old custom PHP website | Best fit | Can help, but may suggest a rebuild |
| CodeIgniter or CakePHP project | Best fit | Not always the right skill set |
| New custom web app | Possible | Best fit, faster and cleaner |
| APIs for mobile apps | Possible | Best fit |
| Moving old code to a modern framework | Works on the old side | Works on the new side |
For a new app, we usually suggest a Laravel developer because Laravel gives a clean structure and built-in security tools. For WordPress themes and plugins, a WordPress expert is the better match, even though WordPress is also PHP.
Why old PHP websites need attention
Old PHP versions stop getting security updates, so sites running on them become easier to hack and may break when the host upgrades the server.
Many Indian businesses have a custom website built 8 to 12 years ago. It still works, but nobody wants to touch the code. Then one day the hosting company upgrades PHP, and forms or pages stop working. Or the site gets hacked through an old, unsafe script.
Warning signs your PHP site needs a developer
- Your host has warned you about an old PHP version
- Pages show errors or blank screens after a server change
- Forms stop sending emails or enquiries
- Google Search Console or your browser shows a security warning
- The site is very slow, especially the admin panel
- No one has the latest code or a working backup
A PHP developer can check the code, list what will break on a newer PHP version and fix it on a staging copy before switching the live site.
How we work when you hire a PHP developer
We start with a short code review, then agree on tasks and hours, and test every change on a copy before it goes live.
- 1
Free call
You share what the site does, what is broken or needed, and your hosting details.
- 2
Backup first
We take a full backup of files and database before touching anything.
- 3
Code review
The developer checks PHP version, structure, security risks and quick wins.
- 4
Task list and quote
You get a written list of tasks, time estimates and a clear quote.
- 5
Work on staging
Changes are made and tested on a copy of the site, not on the live site.
- 6
Go live and report
Tested changes go live, and you get a short report of what was done.
Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm IST. If your live site goes down, 24x7 emergency support is available for urgent problems.
Need help with PHP Developers?
Talk to the SI Experts team. Free first call, simple advice, clear quote.
Skills to look for in a PHP developer
A good PHP developer can read messy old code calmly, writes safe new code and knows how servers work.
- Strong core PHP and object-oriented PHP
- Experience with PHP 8 changes and upgrade issues
- MySQL queries, indexes and safe prepared statements
- At least one framework: Laravel, CodeIgniter or CakePHP
- Security basics: input checks, password hashing, safe file uploads
- Server skills: cPanel, Linux, Apache or Nginx, cron jobs
- Git for version control, even on old projects
- Patience and clear notes when working on someone else's code
How much does it cost to hire a PHP developer?
Cost depends on code quality, the size of each task, server access and how many hours you need each month. You get a clear quote after a free call.
- Code quality: clean code is quicker to change than old, mixed code
- Task type: small fix, new feature, upgrade or full rebuild
- Number of pages, forms and database tables involved
- Server access and hosting setup
- Testing needs and urgency of the work
- Hiring model: hourly block, dedicated monthly or fixed project
Indian clients get a GST invoice and can pay by bank transfer or UPI. International clients in the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia pay by bank transfer.
Sometimes a rebuild costs less over time than fixing very old code again and again. We will tell you honestly if we think that is the case for your site.
Fix, upgrade or rebuild: how to decide
Fix when the code is mostly sound, upgrade when only the PHP version is the problem, and rebuild when fixes keep breaking other parts.
Fix and upgrade the old site
- Lower cost in the short term
- No change for staff who use the admin panel
- Faster to finish
- Keeps existing URLs and SEO safe
Rebuild on Laravel or WordPress
- Higher cost at the start
- Staff need to learn a new admin panel
- Takes longer to plan and build
- Needs careful redirects to protect rankings
A rebuild brings long-term benefits: cleaner code, better security and easier changes. If you plan a rebuild, ask our SEO experts to plan redirects so you do not lose traffic. For a full new website, see our web development experts.
Questions to ask before you hire a PHP developer
Ask about old-code experience, upgrade work, backups and how they report hours. Clear, simple answers are a good sign.
- Have you upgraded a site from PHP 5 or 7 to PHP 8? What broke and how did you fix it?
- How do you work on code you did not write?
- Will you use a staging copy before changing the live site?
- How do you take and test backups?
- Which frameworks have you used, and which do you prefer for new work?
- How will you report hours and tasks done each day?
- Who covers urgent issues if you are on leave?
With SI Experts, a senior team member reviews key changes and a backup developer can step in for urgent work. You also get one point of contact, so you do not need to explain your site again each time.
If your website sells products, our ecommerce experts can also check checkout, payment and order flows while the PHP work is going on.
Mistakes to avoid with PHP projects
Most PHP problems come from no backups, editing the live site directly and old scripts nobody remembers.
- Changing files on the live server without a backup
- Upgrading PHP on the server before testing the code
- Keeping old admin pages or test files open to the public
- Storing passwords in plain text in the database
- Not using Git, so nobody knows which version is the latest
- Hiring a new developer every time and losing knowledge of the code
If you also need server, hosting or automation help, our technology experts can work alongside the PHP developer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix my old custom PHP website?
Yes. We take a full backup, review the code and list the problems. Then we fix issues on a staging copy and test them before updating the live site. Even if the original developer is no longer available, an experienced PHP developer can usually understand and repair the code.
Is PHP still worth using for a new project?
Yes. PHP is still widely used and well supported. Modern PHP 8 is fast and safe when written well. For a new project, we usually suggest using a framework like Laravel instead of plain core PHP, because it gives better structure, security tools and easier future changes.
How long does a PHP version upgrade take?
It depends on the size and age of the code. A small, clean site may need only a short time, while a large old system with many custom scripts can take longer. We first check the code, list the changes needed and give you a clear time estimate before starting.
Can you move my core PHP site to Laravel?
Yes. We usually do it in stages. First we map the current features and database. Then we rebuild modules in Laravel one by one, while keeping data safe. This lowers risk and lets your team keep working while the move happens.
Do you work on CodeIgniter and CakePHP projects?
Yes. Our PHP developers work on CodeIgniter, CakePHP and other older PHP frameworks. We can fix bugs, add features, upgrade versions and, if you want, plan a move to Laravel when the time is right.
My PHP website was hacked. Can you help?
Yes. We clean malware, find how the attacker got in, remove unsafe scripts, update passwords and patch the weak code. We then suggest steps like regular backups, updated PHP and a firewall to lower the chance of it happening again.
Can I hire a PHP developer for ongoing monthly support?
Yes. Many clients keep a PHP developer on a monthly plan for small changes, security updates, backups checks and quick fixes. This is useful for older custom sites, because the same developer learns your code over time and can solve problems faster when something breaks.
How do I pay and get invoices?
Indian clients get a proper GST invoice and can pay by bank transfer or UPI. Clients outside India can pay by international bank transfer. Hours or project milestones are shown clearly on each invoice, so you always know what you paid for.