Choosing a PHP Code Generator

Read about six popular PHP code generators that allow generating PHP codes and automating work with MYSQL and other databases. Available for free or for a fee, they will help you in database and application management.

PHP code generators can significantly simplify your tasks and routine processes. However, it’s crucial to find the best PHP code generator that will comply with your demands and offer all necessary features. What is a PHP code generator, and what are the most worthy versions present on the market?

Coding for performing some certain task can be done manually, but it requires a lot of time and effort. With a good generator, you can generate a code in a matter of a few minutes and be sure that it’s likely to work as intended. A PHP code generator is a program and automatically creates code based on the parameters and settings you specify. Such program allows saving effort and money considerably.

As with other coding programs, you have a spectrum of available options. PHP code generators can be free and paid, basic and complex. You can find a good free basic PHP code generator for creating, connecting and editing MySQL databases. If you need a complex solution, opt for a paid program: it offers instruments for creating applications, web forms, charts and graphs.

Key features in PHP Code Generator: what to look for?

When searching for a code generator, you need to take the following aspects into consideration:

• Will your budget cover the purchase of such software?
• Do you need to allow access to a project for several people?
• What features should be there?

If your main task is simply code generation, you can choose a basic free code generator. But if you are going to create various forms, control multiple complex databases and send data to various file types, be ready to spend up on it. Besides, the vast majority of free generators work with MYSQL bases solely, and those who create Oracle, Access and other kinds of databases should purchase a generator.

Design creation is another aspect that should be considered. Although you can always commit your time to making the layout after the code has been generate, it’s always great to have a generator that may do everything instead of you – this can save you hours. On the other side, if you just need a business intranet application, its look doesn’t really matters.

6 Highly Recommended PHP Code Generators

1. Form Generator, PHP & MySQL Generator
This is a perfect choice for those who need a free PHP generator. Althougj PHP & MySQL Generator is pretty simple solution, but it has everything for managing MYSQL bases. The list of its features includes:

1. Creation and edition of databases and fields.
2. Drop, copy and rename tables.
3. Drag and drop functions.
4. Running queries and joining tables based on query results.
5. Generation of HTML, CSS and MySQL code and PHP variables.

FPMG is also a perfect option for those who need to create forms for website but don’t need much customization. You may generate forms from the zero with table structures – it takes a few minutes. This generator can be installed on your PC or used online, so you can generate a code from your computer or a smartphone. If you have no experience of working with PHP code generators, this one is will be a good start: you can find various tutorials and examples on the official website. If you have some questions, the website also provides customer support, but since this is a free tool, time frames of response can be pretty long.

2. PHPMyEdit
This is an open-source tool with a General Public License, though commercial licenses can be purchased, too (with annual free or for permanent commercial license). Being an essential PHP code generator, it doesn’t have as many features as paid programs, but still is very useful for generating PHP code in MYSQL databases. PHPMyEdit doesn’t have inbuilt system for creating layouts, so you will need to design your own templates, if the code is intended for public websites (they aren’t necessary for business use). PHPMyEdit has the following instruments:

• Ability to add, edit, copy and delete records;
• search, sorting, paging and filtering of tables;
• recording of user actions;
• various levels of user permissions;
• a set of navigation styles and the opportunity to change them through CSS.

3. PHPMaker
PHPMaker is a perfect match for users that want to create a website allowing users or employees to access and edit databases in the Net. With this tool you can generate PHP sites from Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MYSQL, Oracle and PostgreSQL databases.

Websites created with the help of PHPMaker give users the opportunity to view, search, add and edit records. They can also create accounts with different access levels. Inbuilt HTML settings and style sheets help to customize the layout of your website. Other outstanding features of PHPMaker include:

• Support of Syntactically Awesome StyleSheets;
• settings of log and database files to track users;
• email notifications about changes in certain tables (when they’re added, edited or deleted);
• Sorting of columns;
• client-side or server-side JavaScript validation;
• customization of extensions and templates;
• creation of responsive websites that may run both on desktop and mobile devices.

To become a PHPMaker user, you need to acquire a yearly subscription, but, luckily, the following renewals are usually available for a half of the starting subscription price. The access to free email support is free for the first 6 months, after that, you need to pay for 3-month subscriptions. If you make several software purchases, you can claim a volume discount.

4. Scriptcase
Scriptcase allows building complete systems, reports and forms. This tool is web-based, e.g. can be acсesed through a browser, and allows for several users to run a project, if you purchase the enterprise edition. Like many other premium-class PHP code generators, Scriptbase may work with different databases (MYSQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL and SQL Server). The program provides a great number of features including:

• Creation of forms, reports, charts, grids and calendars;
• Data export in various formats (XLS, XML, DOC and PDF);
• generation of custom codes and macros according to specified business rules;
• project diagrams that show you the relationship between objects;
• CAPTCHA objects boosting submission security;
• Integration with various platforms and networks, including YouTube, Google Maps, etc.
• generation of barcodes;
• a grid that allows editing several records simultaneously.

This PHP code generator is valued for the ability to have multiple people working on tasks and databases, and is widely used in business environment. Besides, it provides numerous benefits for websites, including integration with social media. Therefore, Scriptbase is a great choice for both in-house database management and generating codes for a website.

There are several versions of Scriptcase, and you can select the one that matches your budget and needs best. The professional edition will be great for a single web-master, while the enterprise edition is purchased to be used by multiple contributors working on the same project. If your demands grow, you will be able to upgrade the present license instead or buying a new one.

5. PHPRunner
PHPRunner applies wizards (grids, charts, forms and reports) for designing various database driven applications. Thanks to a templating engine, several people can work on the same project. Various database types are supported: MYSQL, MS SQL Server, MS Access, Oracle and others.

This PHP generator exploits a wide range of templates with different themes and colors, and they can be customized. Application templates also list shopping carts, knowledge vases, calendars, etc. A template combines a graphical interface and database structure, and the layout of applications can be adjusted with the help of a WYSIWYG tool or by editing CSS style sheets. PHPRunner has the whole gamut of features for making comprehensive applications:

• The opportunity to preview your applications in different ways, for instance, by uploading them to a demo account server;
• SQL editor shows the results of an SQL statement and allows using drag and drop options;
• with dynamic permissions, you can control access options for team members;
• on-the-fly uploads to databases and directories;
• when creating linked drop down boxes the following variant will be offered according to the choice of the previous drop-down;
• built-in templates are complemented with additional template packs;
• password protection in web application, generation of CAPTCHA codes and setting of requirements for password strength.

PHPRunner is the best choice for web-masters who need to create code for websites. It can also be used for intranet database management, since multiple people can work on a project and several users may log in applications.

PHPRunner is available in one version for a flat rate. You can also download a free version or try a live demo presented on the website. This is an opportunity to test the program before ordering the service.

6. PHPGenerator
With this PHP generator you can create scripts allowing you to work with tables via web. The tool for code generation can be used to add, edit, search, sort, filter and export data from MYSQL database. The program offers 25 customizable templates, and the user may set header and footer of web pages.

PHP Generator is available in free and paid versions. The first one has basic features: adding, deleting and copying records and uploading files to databases. If it’s not enough, opt for a paid version that is more responsive and runs on almost any type of browser and device. You will have record-level security and database user authentication. Besides, you may export data in PDF, XML, CVS, Excel, and Word formats, edit and compare several records and use extended filtering. Some other interesting features include:

• Geographical charts;
• addition of numerous records;
• embed videos’
• custom form layouts;
• WYSIWYG editor and a custom editor.

If you need just to generate some code, the free version will be enough to manage databases. Those who seek for advanced database management options are highly recommended the paid version.

Conclusion
PHP code generator may be useful only in some cases. Web-masters who need a lot of customizable functions may find out that such solution doesn’t comply with all of their demands. However, if you need to create simple applications, but don’t have much experience in PHP, a PHP code generator will be the right choice.

The above mentioned solutions are just a few widespread options that you can consider while searching for a PHP code generator. Although they greatly vary in price and functionality, all of them may save your time and resources, automating tasks.