According to a recent survey, the majority of people visit a business’s website before making a purchase. This is why having an online presence can make a big difference to your business’s success.
A good online presence increases your business credibility, shows your brand, allows you to provide better service to your customers, and generates more leads. And the basis of this presence is a good website. In other words, in the modern world, every business needs a website.
If you are going to create your own website or if you are going to hire virtual assistants to do so, the first thing you should ask is: What programming language should I use? One of the most popular options is PHP – a powerful server-side scripting language used extensively in web development due to its ability to integrate with databases, work on different platforms, and being an open-source language.
So, if you want to create a successful website, you should hire PHP programmers. But, it can be difficult to find the right PHP developer. You need the best to achieve the best results.
Here are 8 essential qualities to look for before hiring a PHP developer: –
1. Proficiency in PHP
When hiring a PHP developer, the first thing to consider is the technical expertise. How well do they know PHP programming language? Are they familiar with PHP libraries and frameworks? Have they ever used PHP-based CMS?
When you outsource web development to a PHP development company, you may not always know the skill of the developer that will be working on your project. However, when you work with the virtual employees from Remote Resource, you are always aware of the technical skills of your team.
2. Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving skills
A PHP developer should have strong problem solving skills that come coupled with analytical skills. They will be required to debug errors, enhance performance and solve difficult coding problems. You should look for candidates who can demonstrate a logical, methodical approach to problem solving and good problem solving skills.
3. Strong Web-Development Technologies Knowledge
Of course, you should hire a software developer who is proficient in PHP and should also have knowledge of other essential web development technologies, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript. This expertise helps them to collaborate effectively with front-end developers, providing a seamless integration of server-side and client-side components.
4. Frameworks Knowledge
A skilled PHP developer should be aware of the frameworks including Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter. They are frameworks that are packed with pre-built tools and libraries that help the developers write cleaner and more efficient code faster.
Developers with experience in PHP frameworks are capable of building scalable, robust and easily maintainable applications. Hence, it is important to make sure that the applicant does not only understand these frameworks before hiring a PHP developer for your project but also knows how to implement them.
5. Experience with SQL and Databases
PHP frequently interacts with databases, making database expertise essential for a skilled PHP developer. They should be proficient in working with databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL and have hands-on experience in:
- Designing efficient database schemas
- Writing optimized SQL queries
- Understanding indexing and normalization.
6. Adaptability
The web development industry is constantly evolving. A strong PHP developer should be open to learning new techniques and technologies and adaptable enough to embrace better workflows and modern tools.
So, when hiring PHP developers—whether in the USA or globally—look for candidates who demonstrate a passion for learning and staying up to date with industry trends. They should be eager to explore new frameworks, best practices, and tools, continuously improving their skill set.
7. Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential in every field, and PHP development is no exception. Developers must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to provide updates, discuss requirements, and convey ideas clearly.
When hiring PHP developers, look for candidates who:
- Communicate effectively in team discussions
- Actively collaborate with colleagues
- Adapt to various project management methodologies.
8. AI Proficiency
In today’s tech landscape, being AI-savvy is just as important as being tech-savvy. AI tools empower developers to code faster, more efficiently, and with fewer errors.
- Look for PHP developers who are proficient in:
- AI code assistants like GitHub Copilot and Tabnine
- Debugging & code quality tools like SonarQube
- Automated testing tools like Testim.
Conclusion
Hiring the best PHP developers is the first step to building a high-performing website. To identify top software developer with proficiency in PHP in the USA, focus on the 8 essential skills outlined in this guide.
However, with Remote Resource, you don’t have to handle this process alone. We source India’s top 10% of triple-vetted talent, ensuring that our developers are AI-savvy, highly skilled, and excellent communicators. They integrate seamlessly as virtual employees, working collaboratively with your on-site team.
Connect with our dedicated client service team to learn more, and follow us for more insights!
