This section provides an overview of the fundamental features of PHsPeed, a Rapid Application Development (RAD) oriented, visual, and component-based IDE designed to expedite PHP application development.


  • Rapid Application Development (RAD) Oriented

PHsPeed embraces the principles of Rapid Application Development (RAD), streamlining the development process through its visual and component-based approach. This allows users to create PHP applications swiftly and efficiently, reducing the need for extensive manual coding.


  • Application Generator


The Application Generator feature facilitates the rapid creation of basic grids, CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) applications, and other application types with just a few mouse clicks. Although the functionality provided is elementary, it serves as an excellent starting point for projects, allowing for further enhancements to be built upon it. Additionally, Application Generator enables the implementation of master-detail relationships, enriching the application's capabilities.


  • Component-Based Development


PHsPeed enables project creation from scratch by adding form applications and placing components on them. Alternatively, users can start with a generated application (as mentioned in step one above) and customize it further by adding or modifying components. Each component comes with a wide array of properties and events:


    • Properties

Properties alter the behavior of components, offering various functionalities depending on the component type. Examples of common properties include:


Name: Identifies the component

Parent: Specifies the "owner" of the component


PHsPeed's IDE utilizes color coding to differentiate properties based on their functions. A white background indicates properties for internal use (such as component position on the form), while a red background denotes read-only properties. Users can hide specific properties by using the buttons located at the top of the property editor (panel I).


    • Server Events


Server events are functions executed at specific points during the application's runtime. Users can insert PHP code for these events, triggering actions when certain events occur. For instance, pressing a button can invoke the "onClick" event, executing the associated PHP code on the server.


    • Client Events


Similar to server events, client events also trigger actions, but they are executed on the client-side (i.e., within the browser). Client events rely on JavaScript code, and PHsPeed automatically generates the required JavaScript. While customization is possible, it is generally advisable to avoid extensive modifications in this area.


  • Debugging Capabilities


PHsPeed provides comprehensive debugging tools to ensure smooth development:


PHP Debugger: PHsPeed incorporates an XDebug client, allowing users to set breakpoints, examine variable and object contents, analyze POST and GET messages, explore session data, and more. Visit www.xdebug.org for additional information.

JavaScript Debugger: PHsPeed's built-in browser, powered by Chromium, features enabled debugger tools for JavaScript debugging, providing a familiar debugging environment akin to using "Chrome."


  • Visual Form Designer


The Visual Form Designer allows the creation of forms in a visual manner. As the form rendering is based on Bootstrap and varies according to the client browser's brand and version, the Visual Form Designer is not a traditional WYSIWYG editor. Instead, users conceptualize the form design, and the generated code can be tested to observe the actual appearance when the application runs.


This concludes the overview of PHsPeed's basic features. In the subsequent chapters, we will delve deeper into each feature, providing valuable insights to help you get started with PHsPeed effectively.


Continue reading for an in-depth understanding of PHsPeed and its powerful capabilities. For further guidance, explore our webinars, video channels on Vimeo and YouTube, and downloadable white-paper manuals (available to registered users).