Phenomine is a full-stack PHP framework that I built from scratch as a personal exploration into modern web architecture and framework design. What started as a simple boilerplate project evolved into a complete framework with built-in routing, multi-database ORM, and a flexible templating engine powered by Latte.
The framework also integrates Tailwind CSS and HTMX natively, enabling developers to build interactive applications that feel like Single Page Apps — all without writing JavaScript. This setup provides a seamless developer experience for backend developers who want SPA-like interactivity using pure PHP and HTML.
Problem
Existing PHP frameworks often require additional tools or JavaScript front-ends to achieve modern reactive behavior. This complexity increases the barrier for backend-focused developers who prefer simplicity and server-driven UI.
Goal / Use Case
To create a lightweight, modern PHP framework that unifies essential web development features — routing, ORM, templating, and reactive UI — into one cohesive ecosystem. Phenomine aims to empower developers to build rich, modern web applications quickly without sacrificing simplicity.
Impact
Phenomine proves that PHP can still deliver modern, reactive web experiences without relying on complex client-side frameworks. It has inspired many developers to explore backend-first approaches again, blending performance, simplicity, and maintainability within a single stack.
Development Duration
The framework was developed over several months through iterative experimentation, continuous learning, and community feedback.