Top 23 PHP Editors and IDEs (Free and Premium)

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To write high-quality PHP code , you will need a high-quality PHP editor that best suits your programming needs, preferences, and workflow. There are many options available on the market, and while they may look the same at first glance, each PHP editor has its unique features and optimal use cases.

In this guide, you can find the best PHP editors and IDEs that can help you edit PHP files and develop, debug and test PHP applications.

They target different types of users, from beginners who need a no-configuration PHP editor that works out of the box to experienced PHP programmers who want to work with a specific stack, framework , or toolkit. While most of the tools on this list are free, I've also added a few paid ones that come with extra support and features.

PHP Editor vs PHP IDE
PHP editors and PHP IDEs are two types of software that you can use to edit PHP files. The main difference between the two is complexity. If you want a very brief definition, a PHP IDE is an enhanced PHP editor with extended functionality.

If you're a beginner or don't develop complex PHP applications, you'll be better off with a PHP editor. It loads faster , has a simpler user interface, and is easier to configure and setup, but still provides you with all the editing features you'll need to code.

However, if you are an experienced PHP programmer who cambodia phone number data builds complex applications and has specific coding needs, a PHP IDE may be a better solution for you .

What Is a PHP Editor
Technically speaking, you could edit PHP files with a basic text editor like Windows' Notepad, but it wouldn't be an easy thing to do. The main problem is that source code files are difficult to read without syntax highlighting, which allows you to see different code structures, such as variables, keywords, and parameters, in different colors and fonts .

Poor code readability not only leads to multiple errors , but it also holds you back as a programmer as it will take you a lot more time to see through your code and figure out the next step. To edit PHP files effectively, you will need a source code editor that understands PHP syntax and highlights each piece of code based on its meaning.

Although syntax highlighting is the number one feature of every PHP editor, it is not the only one. The best PHP editors come with multiple additional functionalities that help you write and edit PHP code, make sense of your file and project structure, and make fewer mistakes . For example, line breaks, indentation, auto-completion, different views and editing modes, code completion, search and compare functionality, and smart code suggestions are such features.