Skills required for PHP Developer and how to assess them

9 fundamental PHP Developer skills and traits

The best skills for PHP Developers include PHP Proficiency, Object-Oriented Programming, Database Management, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Version Control, Framework Knowledge, API Integration and Security Best Practices.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 9 essential skills of a PHP Developer.

PHP Proficiency

A PHP developer must have a strong grasp of PHP syntax and functions. This skill is fundamental for writing, testing, and maintaining code that powers web applications.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a PHP developer Job Description.

Object-Oriented Programming

Understanding OOP principles is crucial for PHP developers. It allows them to create modular, reusable, and maintainable code, which is essential for large-scale applications.

Database Management

Knowledge of SQL and experience with databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL is necessary. PHP developers use this skill to design, query, and manage databases efficiently.

HTML/CSS

A PHP developer should be proficient in HTML and CSS to create and style web pages. This skill helps in integrating backend logic with frontend design seamlessly.

JavaScript

Familiarity with JavaScript is important for PHP developers to handle client-side scripting. This skill is used to enhance user interactions and create dynamic web pages.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

Version Control

Experience with version control systems like Git is essential. PHP developers use this skill to track changes, collaborate with team members, and manage code versions.

Framework Knowledge

Understanding popular PHP frameworks like Laravel or Symfony is beneficial. These frameworks provide tools and libraries that streamline development and improve code quality.

For more insights, check out our guide to writing a Laravel developer Job Description.

API Integration

PHP developers often need to integrate third-party APIs. This skill involves understanding how to connect and interact with external services to extend application functionality.

Security Best Practices

Knowledge of security practices is crucial for PHP developers. This includes understanding how to protect applications from common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS.

Check out our guide for a comprehensive list of interview questions.

10 secondary PHP Developer skills and traits

The best skills for PHP Developers include Linux/Unix, Testing/Debugging, RESTful Services, Composer, Command Line Interface, Caching Techniques, Cloud Services, Docker, WebSockets and GraphQL.

Let’s dive into the details by examining the 10 secondary skills of a PHP Developer.

Linux/Unix

Familiarity with Linux or Unix systems can be beneficial. PHP developers often work on servers running these operating systems, so basic command-line skills are useful.

Testing/Debugging

Skills in testing and debugging are important for ensuring code quality. PHP developers use tools like PHPUnit to write tests and debug issues effectively.

RESTful Services

Understanding RESTful services is useful for PHP developers. This skill helps in designing and consuming REST APIs, which are common in modern web applications.

Composer

Knowledge of Composer, the dependency manager for PHP, is helpful. PHP developers use Composer to manage project dependencies and libraries efficiently.

Command Line Interface

Basic CLI skills can be advantageous. PHP developers often use the command line for tasks like running scripts, managing files, and deploying applications.

Caching Techniques

Understanding caching techniques can improve application performance. PHP developers use tools like Memcached or Redis to cache data and reduce server load.

Cloud Services

Familiarity with cloud services like AWS or Azure can be a plus. PHP developers may need to deploy and manage applications on cloud platforms.

Docker

Knowledge of Docker can be beneficial for PHP developers. Docker allows them to create containerized environments, making development and deployment more consistent.

WebSockets

Understanding WebSockets can be useful for real-time applications. PHP developers use WebSockets to enable two-way communication between the server and clients.

GraphQL

Familiarity with GraphQL can be an advantage. PHP developers use GraphQL to create flexible and efficient APIs that allow clients to request exactly the data they need.

How to assess PHP Developer skills and traits

Assessing the skills and traits of a PHP developer involves more than just glancing at their resume. While a resume might highlight their experience with PHP, Object-Oriented Programming, and other technical skills, it doesn't provide a clear picture of their hands-on coding ability or problem-solving skills.

To truly understand whether a candidate will excel in a PHP role, you need a method that evaluates their practical skills in areas like Database Management, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and more. Using skill assessments is a proven way to measure these abilities accurately.

For instance, Adaface offers tailored assessments that can help you evaluate a PHP developer's proficiency across essential skills such as Framework Knowledge, API Integration, and Security Best Practices. By incorporating these tests into your hiring process, you can achieve a 2x improvement in the quality of your hires and significantly cut down on screening time.

Let’s look at how to assess PHP Developer skills with these 5 talent assessments.

PHP Online Test

Our PHP Online Test evaluates a candidate's proficiency in PHP, covering fundamental concepts, object-oriented programming, and error handling.

The test assesses their understanding of PHP fundamentals, OOPs, built-in and custom functions, sessions, error and exception handling, and database handling. It includes scenario-based MCQs and coding questions to evaluate hands-on PHP programming skills.

Successful candidates demonstrate a strong grasp of structuring PHP code, handling server-side caching, and managing databases effectively.

MySQL Online Test

Our MySQL Online Test evaluates a candidate's proficiency in using MySQL, including SQL queries, database design, and data manipulation.

The test assesses their knowledge of SQL queries, database design, normalization, indexing, transactions, and stored procedures. It uses scenario-based MCQs to evaluate their ability to work with MySQL databases and manage data.

High-scoring candidates demonstrate strong skills in creating efficient queries, designing normalized databases, and managing complex transactions.

HTML/ CSS Online Test

Our HTML/ CSS Online Test evaluates a candidate's ability to create and style web pages using HTML and CSS.

The test covers core HTML tags, handling forms, CSS box model, styling elements, Flexbox and Grid layouts, responsive design, working with images, custom fonts, and CSS animations. It includes scenario-based MCQs and simple coding questions.

Successful candidates have a strong understanding of CSS layout techniques, responsiveness, and browser compatibility.

JavaScript Online Test

Our JavaScript Online Test evaluates a candidate's proficiency in JavaScript, covering fundamental concepts and advanced features.

The test assesses their knowledge of JavaScript basics, DOM manipulation, error handling, working with JSON, ES6 features, higher-order functions, OOP, asynchronous programming, and handling APIs. It includes scenario-based MCQs and coding questions.

Candidates who perform well demonstrate strong skills in both synchronous and asynchronous JavaScript programming, as well as proficiency in modern JavaScript features.

Git Online Test

Our Git Online Test evaluates a candidate's understanding of Git, a popular version control system.

The test covers Git basics, repository creation, branching and merging, committing changes, conflict resolution, remote repositories, rebasing, Git workflows, Git commands and concepts, and branching models. It uses scenario-based MCQs.

High-scoring candidates show proficiency in managing source code, resolving conflicts, and using advanced Git commands and workflows.

Summary: The 9 key PHP Developer skills and how to test for them

PHP Developer skills FAQs

What are the key PHP skills a developer should have for a successful career?

A PHP developer should be proficient in PHP, understand object-oriented programming, and have experience with database management. Knowledge of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and popular PHP frameworks like Laravel or Symfony is also important.

How can recruiters assess a candidate's proficiency in PHP during an interview?

Recruiters can assess PHP proficiency by asking candidates to solve real-world coding problems, review code samples, or discuss past projects. Additionally, asking about their experience with PHP frameworks and APIs can provide insight into their expertise.

What is the importance of understanding database management in PHP development?

Database management is crucial for PHP developers as most web applications interact with databases. Skills in SQL and experience with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases ensure developers can handle data efficiently and securely.

Why is knowledge of version control important for PHP developers?

Version control systems like Git help PHP developers manage changes to the codebase, collaborate with others, and maintain a history of project evolution. This is key for team collaboration and effective project management.

How do RESTful services and API integration enhance PHP development?

RESTful services and API integration allow PHP developers to connect and interact with other web services and applications. This expands the functionality of PHP applications and enables them to leverage external data and services.

What are some security best practices PHP developers should follow?

PHP developers should implement security measures like using prepared statements for database access, validating and sanitizing user inputs, and employing HTTPS. Regular security updates and following OWASP guidelines are also recommended.

Can you explain the role of Docker in PHP development?

Docker provides a standardized environment for developing, testing, and deploying PHP applications. It isolates the application from the underlying system, ensuring consistency across different development and production environments.

What benefits do cloud services offer to PHP developers?

Cloud services offer scalability, reliability, and flexibility, allowing PHP applications to handle varying loads and data volumes efficiently. They also provide advanced tools for monitoring, analytics, and automated backups.

Assess and hire the best PHP Developers with Adaface

Assessing and finding the best PHP Developer is quick and easy when you use talent assessments. You can check out our product tour, sign up for our free plan to see talent assessments in action or view the demo here: