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PHP development – backends, REST APIs and legacy modernisation with PHP 8, Laravel and Symfony
PHP 8 · Laravel · Symfony · APIs · Made in Germany

PHP development: backends, APIs and modernisation with PHP 8

For mid-sized companies: reliable web backends, integrations and incremental legacy upgrades – with Laravel, Symfony, tests and transferable operations – delivery and project ownership from Germany (Leer/East Frisia), named contacts, no offshore guesswork.

  • 250+ delivered projects
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  • 100% engineering in Germany
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PHP – proven on the web, modern with PHP 8

PHP powers a large share of the German web: shops, portals, CMS and custom B2B applications. With PHP 8.x, strict types and current frameworks we build maintainable backends that connect to ERP, CRM and payment providers.

As a PHP agency based in East Frisia we build greenfield apps, take over existing systems and modernise legacy code – including tests, CI/CD and clear documentation for your team.

Technology overview: PHP Development – stack details on our technology page. See also Laravel development, PHP technology and web development.

PHP 8 backend architecture with Laravel, Symfony and MySQL – layered web backend model
PHP 8 backend architecture with Laravel, Symfony and MySQL – layered web backend model
PHP logo – server-side scripting for web backendsLaravel logo – PHP framework for APIs and SaaSSymfony logo – enterprise PHP frameworkMySQL logo – relational database for PHP applications

Our PHP services

From APIs to Shopware integrations – pragmatic and operations-safe.

Custom backends & REST APIs

Business logic, roles and documented REST or GraphQL APIs – with Laravel, Symfony or lean PHP depending on your estate.

Legacy upgrade & security

Migration from PHP 5.x/7.x to PHP 8, hardening old codebases, dependency updates and incremental refactors without months of downtime.

CMS & e-commerce

WordPress, TYPO3 and Shopware extensions, performance tuning and ERP/PIM interfaces – alongside our Shopware development service.

Operations & maintenance

Monitoring, backups, staging and transferable source code – optional SLA from a single partner.

PHP REST API as integration hub for ERP, CRM, mobile apps and e-commerce
PHP backends as a central integration hub for ERP, CRM, shops and mobile clients

PHP 8 & frameworks

Laravel, Symfony and clean project structure for long-term maintenance.

APIs & integration

Reliable ERP, CRM, payment and shipping integrations.

Legacy modernisation

Incremental migration instead of big-bang – working intermediate releases.

Made in Germany

Development and alignment from Leer/East Frisia, remote across DACH.

PHP in practice

Successful PHP projects combine clear domain models, automated tests and reproducible deployments. We avoid monolithic god classes and keep releases traceable.

  • PHPStan/Psalm and PHPUnit in CI/CD
  • Composer lock and regular security updates
  • Staging with production-like masked data
  • API versioning for mobile and frontend clients

After a free initial call you get an honest view of effort, risks and stack.

PHP CI/CD pipeline with PHPUnit, PHPStan and automated deployments
PHPUnit, PHPStan and reproducible deployments in PHP practice

Related services

Frequently asked questions

FAQ on PHP development

Stack, costs and technology choice

When is PHP a better fit than Node.js or .NET?
PHP fits web backends, CMS ecosystems (WordPress, TYPO3, Shopware), existing PHP teams and many hosting options. For pure real-time channels, desktop clients or Microsoft-centric estates we evaluate Node.js, .NET or Go – stack-neutral by requirements. PHP 8 with strict types and modern frameworks remains economical for many B2B portals and APIs.
What does a PHP web application cost – and how transparent is the quote?
Simple APIs and admin backends typically from €12,000. Larger portals with ERP, CRM or payment integrations tend towards €25,000–80,000. After discovery you receive a fixed-price or sprint quote with clear separation of backend, frontend and operations. Use our web development cost calculator or book a strategy call for a scope sketch.
Laravel or Symfony – what do you recommend?
Laravel for fast product and API delivery – see Laravel development. Symfony for large, long-lived enterprise codebases. We use both; the choice depends on your estate, team skills and integration landscape.
How does migration from PHP 5.x/7.x to PHP 8 work?

Code review, Composer dependency audit and a working staging baseline first. Then incremental fixes for deprecated features, typing and tests – without months of downtime. Critical paths (checkout, ERP sync) migrate first; peripheral modules follow in sprints. PHPStan/Psalm and PHPUnit in CI/CD secure intermediate releases.

WordPress, TYPO3 or custom PHP – when does each fit?
WordPress/TYPO3 when editorial workflows and SEO pages dominate. Custom PHP (Laravel/Symfony) when business logic, roles, APIs and integrations dominate. Shopware extensions connect e-commerce to ERP – alongside our Shopware. A project check clarifies CMS, framework or headless hybrid.

Takeover, integration, operations and compliance

Do you take over existing PHP projects?
Yes – code review, stabilisation, test setup and a legacy modernisation roadmap. We document risks and deliver a secure, working baseline first. Pairing with your team and transferable guidelines are included.
How do you connect PHP backends to ERP, Shopware and CRM?
Via documented REST or GraphQL APIs, webhooks and queue jobs – auth (OAuth2, API keys), retry logic and idempotency for ERP sync. We extend existing API integration in a versioned way so mobile apps and frontends do not break. Business logic stays on the server.
GDPR, hosting and security for PHP backends

Development and alignment from Leer (East Frisia) – no offshore subcontractors. Personal data only via documented APIs and hosting locations that match your privacy role. Regular Composer updates, OWASP-oriented API hardening, secrets in vaults/env – not in the repo.

What does maintenance and SLA look like after go-live?
Optional SLA for bugfixes, security patches (PHP, framework, plugins), dependency upgrades and feature sprints. See software maintenance and maintenance costs. Transferable source code in your repository remains standard.
When is PHP not the right choice?
Less ideal when you need pure WebSocket scale, heavy desktop apps or your IT is strictly standardised on .NET/Java without PHP skills. Then we evaluate Java, .NET or Node. Static marketing sites often need no custom PHP. A project check clarifies the fit.
Outline your PHP project in the project check

Request PHP project

Describe backend requirements, existing systems and integrations – we sketch architecture, stack recommendation and a realistic timeline Made in Germany.

Request PHP projectContact

PHP Development: structured delivery approach

Björn Groenewold

Up to 50% of your investment via BAFA/KfW

Use our funding calculator to see which government grants may apply to your project.

Björn Groenewold – Managing Director

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PHP Development & PHP Agency Germany | Groenewold IT Solutions