Master PHP Development with Bolt: The Ultimate Framework for Modern Web Applications

7 min readJul 13, 2024

Note: Bolt is currently under development. Stay tuned for updates and more features coming soon!

Welcome to the future of PHP development with Bolt, a cutting-edge, lightweight framework designed to elevate your web development experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, Bolt provides a robust set of tools and features to streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity.

Why Bolt Stands Out

Bolt is designed with simplicity, flexibility, and power in mind, making it the perfect choice for any PHP developer. Here’s why Bolt is the framework you’ve been looking for:

Modern MVC Architecture

Bolt employs a modern MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture that ensures your code remains organized and maintainable. By separating application logic from the user interface, Bolt helps keep your codebase clean and modular.

Example:

// Route definition in Bolt
$router->get('/home', [App\Controllers\HomeController::class, 'index']);

// HomeController.php
namespace App\Controllers;

use Core\Controller;
use Core\Request;
use Core\Response;
use Core\ViewRenderer;
use App\Services\HomeService;

class HomeController extends Controller
{
    protected $homeService;

    public function __construct(HomeService $homeService)
    {
        $this->homeService = $homeService;
    }

    public function index(Request $request, Response $response)
    {
        $homeData = $this->homeService->getHomeData();
        $viewRenderer = new ViewRenderer('home/index', [
            'title' => $homeData->title,
            'message' => $homeData->message,
            'layout' => 'layout'
        ]);
        $viewRenderer->render();
    }
}

Easy and Flexible Routing

With Bolt, routing is straightforward and highly flexible. You can define routes and link them to controller actions effortlessly, enabling you to build complex applications with ease.

Example:

// routes/web.php
$router->get('/about', [App\Controllers\AboutController::class, 'show']);

Powerful Command-Line Interface

Bolt comes equipped with a powerful CLI that simplifies many development tasks. From running database migrations to creating new controllers, the Bolt CLI enhances your productivity and streamlines your workflow.

Example Commands:

php bolt migrate         # Run database migrations
php bolt controller UserController   # Create a new controller
php bolt serve           # Start the development server

Seamless Database Integration

Bolt offers seamless integration with various database systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. Its built-in ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) makes database interactions simple and intuitive, ensuring your code remains readable and maintainable.

Example:

// User model
namespace App\Models;

use Core\Model;

class User extends Model
{
    protected $table = 'users';
}

// Fetching users
$users = User::all();

Elegant Templating with

Bolt supports elegant templating with a flexible view rendering system. Create dynamic, reusable views with ease and efficiency.

Example:

<!-- resources/views/layout.php -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title><?= $title ?? 'My Bolt Framework' ?></title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/styles.css"> <!-- Tailwind CSS -->
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/font-awesome/5.15.3/css/all.min.css">
    <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:wght@400;700&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">
</head>
<body>
<nav class="bg-gray-800 text-white p-4">
    <div class="container mx-auto flex justify-between items-center">
        <a class="navbar-brand font-bold text-lg" href="#">My Bolt Framework</a>
        <div class="navbar-nav">
            <a class="nav-item nav-link mx-2 hover:text-gray-400" href="/">Home</a>
            <a class="nav-item nav-link mx-2 hover:text-gray-400" href="/about">About</a>
            <a class="nav-item nav-link mx-2 hover:text-gray-400" href="/features">Features</a>
            <a class="nav-item nav-link mx-2 hover:text-gray-400" href="/contact">Contact</a>
        </div>
    </div>
</nav>
<main class="container mx-auto mt-5">
    <?php include __DIR__ . "/$view.php"; ?>
</main>
<footer class="bg-gray-800 text-white text-center py-3">
    <p>&copy; <?= date('Y') ?> My Bolt Framework. All rights reserved.</p>
</footer>
<script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.5.1.slim.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/@popperjs/core@2.5.4/dist/umd/popper.min.js"></script>
<script src="https://stackpath.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/4.5.2/js/bootstrap.min.js"></script>
<script src="/js/script.js"></script>
<script src="/js/home.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

Robust Middleware Support

Bolt’s middleware support allows you to filter and manipulate HTTP requests as they enter your application. This is particularly useful for implementing authentication, logging, and other request-based functionalities.

Example:

namespace App\Middleware;

use Core\Request;
use Core\Response;

class Vanguard
{
    public function handle(Request $request, Response $response, callable $next)
    {
        // Middleware logic before passing to next middleware or controller
        if ($request->header('X-Example-Header') !== 'expected-value') {
            $response->setStatusCode(403);
            $response->setContent('Forbidden');
            return $response;
        }

        // Call the next middleware or controller
        $response = $next($request, $response);

        // Middleware logic after passing through the next middleware or controller
        // (if needed)

        return $response;
    }
}

Built-in Authentication and Authorization

Bolt simplifies the implementation of authentication and authorization, providing built-in support for sessions and user management. Secure your application with minimal effort.

Efficient Caching

Bolt’s caching mechanisms help boost your application’s performance. Cache database queries or entire views to significantly speed up your application.

Comprehensive Error Handling

Bolt offers robust error handling and debugging tools, enabling you to catch and manage errors gracefully. Ensure a smooth user experience even when issues arise.

Vibrant Community and Support

Bolt is supported by a growing community of developers. Access extensive documentation, tutorials, and community support to maximize your development potential.

Getting Started with Bolt

Getting started with Bolt is simple. Follow these steps to set up your new project:

Install Bolt via Composer:

composer create-project bayrameker/my-bolt-framework new-project cd new-project

Set Up Your Environment: Copy the example environment file and configure your settings.

cp .env.example .env

Run the Development Server: Start the server and begin developing your application.

php bolt serve

Create Your First Controller: Use the Bolt CLI to create a new controller.

php bolt controller HomeController

Define Routes and Views: Add routes and create views to build out your application.

New Features and Enhancements

Tailwind UI Integration

We’ve integrated Tailwind UI into Bolt, allowing you to create stunning, responsive user interfaces effortlessly. Tailwind UI’s utility-first approach simplifies styling, letting you focus on crafting unique and engaging user experiences.

Example Code:

php bolt tailwind:init

Updated Licensing Information

We have updated the licensing information to ensure transparency and clarity for all users. The new licensing details provide comprehensive guidance on usage, distribution, and contributions.

AI Agent Interface Core

We’ve introduced the AI Agent Interface Core in Bolt, allowing you to integrate advanced AI capabilities into your applications. Leverage the power of AI to create innovative and smart functionalities.

Example Code:

// AI Agent Interface Core Example
namespace App\Agents;

use Bolt\AI\AgentInterface;

class ChatbotAgent implements AgentInterface
{
    public function process(string $input): string
    {
        // Simple AI logic for demonstration
        return "You said: " . $input;
    }
}

// Using the AI Agent in a Controller
namespace App\Controllers;

use App\Agents\ChatbotAgent;

class ChatController extends Controller
{
    protected $chatbot;

    public function __construct(ChatbotAgent $chatbot)
    {
        $this->chatbot = $chatbot;
    }

    public function respond(Request $request)
    {
        $userInput = $request->input('message');
        $response = $this->chatbot->process($userInput);

        return response()->json(['response' => $response]);
    }
}

Streamlined Service and Repository Structures

Maintaining clean and scalable code is crucial for long-term project success. Bolt’s new service and repository structures provide clear guidelines for separating business logic and data access layers.

Example Code:

// Service Example
namespace App\Services;

use App\Repositories\UserRepository;

class UserService
{
    protected $userRepo;

    public function __construct(UserRepository $userRepo)
    {
        $this->userRepo = $userRepo;
    }

    public function getUserById(int $id)
    {
        return $this->userRepo->find($id);
    }
}

// Repository Example
namespace App\Repositories;

use Core\Repository;
use App\Models\User;

class UserRepository extends Repository
{
    public function __construct()
    {
        parent::__construct(new User());
    }
}

Improved Routing System

Bolt’s routing system has been significantly upgraded, offering greater flexibility and control over route management.

Example Code:

<?php

use App\Controllers\HomeController;
use App\Controllers\TestController;

global $router; // global değişkeni erişin

$router->get('/', [App\Controllers\HomeController::class, 'index']);

Core Features Comparison

Let’s compare Bolt’s core features with equivalent features in other popular frameworks like Spring Boot (Java), Django (Python), and Next.js (JavaScript).

Middleware

Middleware allows you to filter HTTP requests entering your application.

Bolt:

<?php

namespace App\Middleware;

use Core\Request;
use Core\Response;

class Vanguard
{
    public function handle(Request $request, Response $response, callable $next)
    {
        // Middleware logic before passing to next middleware or controller
        if ($request->header('X-Example-Header') !== 'expected-value') {
            $response->setStatusCode(403);
            $response->setContent('Forbidden');
            return $response;
        }

        // Call the next middleware or controller
        $response = $next($request, $response);

        // Middleware logic after passing through the next middleware or controller
        // (if needed)

        return $response;
    }
}

Spring Boot:

import org.springframework.web.servlet.handler.HandlerInterceptorAdapter;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest;
import javax.servlet.http.HttpServletResponse;

public class AuthInterceptor extends HandlerInterceptorAdapter {
    @Override
    public boolean preHandle(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response, Object handler) throws Exception {
        if (request.getSession().getAttribute("user") == null) {
            response.sendRedirect("/login");
            return false;
        }
        return true;
    }
}

// Register interceptor
@Configuration
public class WebConfig implements WebMvcConfigurer {
    @Override
    public void addInterceptors(InterceptorRegistry registry) {
        registry.addInterceptor(new AuthInterceptor()).addPathPatterns("/dashboard/**");
    }
}

Django:

from django.utils.deprecation import MiddlewareMixin
from django.shortcuts import redirect

class AuthMiddleware(MiddlewareMixin):
    def process_request(self, request):
        if not request.user.is_authenticated:
            return redirect('login')

// Register middleware
MIDDLEWARE = [
    ...
    'myapp.middleware.AuthMiddleware',
    ...
]

Next.js:

import { useRouter } from 'next/router';
import { useEffect } from 'react';

const withAuth = (WrappedComponent) => {
    return (props) => {
        const router = useRouter();

        useEffect(() => {
            if (!localStorage.getItem('user')) {
                router.push('/login');
            }
        }, []);

        return <WrappedComponent {...props} />;
    };
};

export default withAuth;

Controller

Controllers handle incoming requests and return responses to the client.

Bolt:

<?php

namespace App\Controllers;

use Core\Controller;
use Core\Request;
use Core\Response;
use Core\ViewRenderer;
use App\Services\HomeService;

class HomeController extends Controller
{
    protected $homeService;

    public function __construct(HomeService $homeService)
    {
        $this->homeService = $homeService;
    }

    public function index(Request $request, Response $response)
    {
        $homeData = $this->homeService->getHomeData();
        $viewRenderer = new ViewRenderer('home/index', [
            'title' => $homeData->title,
            'message' => $homeData->message,
            'layout' => 'layout'
        ]);
        $viewRenderer->render();
    }
}

Spring Boot:

import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.GetMapping;
import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.RestController;

@RestController
public class UserController {

    @Autowired
    private UserRepository userRepository;

    @GetMapping("/users")
    public List<User> index() {
        return userRepository.findAll();
    }
}

Django:

from django.shortcuts import render
from .models import User

def index(request):
    users = User.objects.all()
    return render(request, 'users/index.html', {'users': users})

Next.js:

import { useEffect, useState } from 'react';

const Users = () => {
    const [users, setUsers] = useState([]);

    useEffect(() => {
        fetch('/api/users')
            .then(res => res.json())
            .then(data => setUsers(data));
    }, []);

    return (
        <div>
            <h1>Users</h1>
            <ul>
                {users.map(user => (
                    <li key={user.id}>{user.name}</li>
                ))}
            </ul>
        </div>
    );
};

export default Users;

Join the Bolt Community

Bolt is more than just a modern PHP framework; it’s a gateway to efficient, powerful, and flexible web development. Whether you’re crafting a simple website or architecting a complex web application, Bolt equips you with the essential tools and features to achieve your vision.

But our journey doesn’t end here. We invite you to join the Bolt community and contribute to the ongoing evolution of this innovative framework. By participating, you can help shape the future of web development, ensuring that Bolt continues to meet the dynamic needs of developers around the world.

Embrace the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and excel. Join us today and become a pivotal part of the Bolt legacy! Let’s build something amazing together.

Master PHP Development with Bolt: The Ultimate Framework for Modern Web Applications

Why Bolt Stands Out

Modern MVC Architecture

Easy and Flexible Routing

Powerful Command-Line Interface

Seamless Database Integration

Elegant Templating with

Robust Middleware Support

Built-in Authentication and Authorization

Efficient Caching

Comprehensive Error Handling

Vibrant Community and Support

Getting Started with Bolt

New Features and Enhancements

Tailwind UI Integration

Updated Licensing Information

AI Agent Interface Core

Streamlined Service and Repository Structures

Improved Routing System

Core Features Comparison

Middleware

Controller

Join the Bolt Community

Written by Bayram EKER