Course Description
Discover the power and simplicity of CodeIgniter 4, a PHP framework renowned for its small footprint, exceptional performance, and clear documentation. This course is your complete guide to building full-featured web applications with a framework that gets out of your way and lets you code.
We start with the basics, from installation and configuration to understanding the core MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture. You will learn how to handle routing, controllers, and views effectively. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical skills, covering database operations with the powerful Query Builder and Models, secure form validation, and robust security features.
You'll also learn how to use CodeIgniter’s rich set of libraries and helpers to speed up development, manage user sessions, implement caching for performance, and handle file uploads efficiently. Advanced modules cover utilizing command-line tools (spark), managing application state with sessions, and extending the framework with filters and your own custom code. Throughout the course, you'll learn about error handling, logging, and best practices for writing clean, maintainable code. By the end, you'll have built a complete, database-driven web application and learned how to deploy it.
What You'll Learn:
- CodeIgniter 4 installation, configuration, and understanding its MVC architecture.
- Mastering routing, controllers, views, and data passing.
- In-depth database operations using the Query Builder and Eloquent-like Models.
- Creating and validating secure forms with built-in validation library and custom rules.
- Utilizing helpers and libraries for rapid development.
- Implementing core security features to prevent common web vulnerabilities (XSS, CSRF).
- Managing user sessions and applying caching for performance.
- Handling file uploads and email sending.
- Effective error handling, logging, and debugging.
- Using CodeIgniter's command-line tool (spark) and extending the framework with filters and hooks.
- Structuring and deploying a CodeIgniter 4 project to a live server.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is for PHP developers who want a fast, no-nonsense framework to build applications quickly. It's an excellent choice for those who find larger frameworks too complex and appreciate performance and simplicity. It's ideal for beginners to PHP frameworks, intermediate PHP developers, and anyone looking to efficiently build modern web applications.
Prerequisites:
- Solid PHP Fundamentals: A strong understanding of PHP syntax, variables, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and basic OOP concepts (classes, objects).
- Basic HTML & CSS: Understanding of web page structure and styling.
- Basic MySQL/Database Knowledge: Familiarity with basic SQL queries (CRUD) and database concepts.
- Command Line Basics: Comfort with basic terminal commands.
- A Computer/Laptop: A working computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with an internet connection.
- A Willingness to Learn: Enthusiasm for building web applications.
Includes a full project, coding exercises, and a certificate of completion. Available in English and Hindi.
1. What is CodeIgniter? Why Choose CI4 for Rapid Development?
15min
2. Installation via Composer and Manual Setup Options
25min
3. Understanding the Directory Structure and Core MVC Pattern
20min
4. Introduction to `spark` Command-Line Tool
15min
5. Initial Configuration and Environment Setup (`.env`)
20min
6. Recap & Practical Task: Install CI4 and Run Your First Application
40min
7. Handling HTTP Requests and Responses in CI4
20min
8. Defining Routes: Basic, Parameters, and Named Routes
30min
9. Route Groups and Filters (Basic Introduction)
25min
10. Creating Controllers and Their Methods
25min
11. Controller Filters (Detailed Usage)
20min
12. Recap & Practical Task: Implement Custom Routes and Controller Actions
50min
13. Creating and Loading Views
20min
14. Passing Data from Controllers to Views
25min
15. View Cells: Reusable View Components
25min
16. Layouts and Partials for Consistent Design
20min
17. Cell Caching for Performance
15min
18. Recap & Practical Task: Build a Template Layout for Your Application
45min
19. Database Configuration and Connecting to MySQL
20min
20. Introduction to CodeIgniter's Query Builder
25min
21. Running Basic CRUD Queries (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
40min
22. Method Chaining and Advanced Query Builder Usage (Joins, Group By, Having)
35min
23. Running Raw SQL Queries
15min
24. Recap & Practical Task: Implement CRUD Operations for a Data Table
1hr
25. Creating and Using Models (CodeIgniter's ORM-like Layer)
25min
26. Using Model's Built-in CRUD Methods (`find`, `save`, `update`, `delete`)
30min
27. Model Configuration (Table Name, Primary Key, Return Type)
20min
28. Model Callbacks (beforeInsert, afterUpdate, etc.)
25min
29. Data Formatting and Type Casting in Models
20min
30. Working with Soft Deletes in Models
15min
31. Recap & Practical Task: Create Models for a Blog Application
1hr
32. Working with Forms and the Form Helper
25min
33. Using the Validation Library for Input Validation
30min
34. Displaying Validation Errors in Views
20min
35. Creating Custom Validation Rules and Messages
25min
36. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Protection
20min
37. File Uploads: Handling Single and Multiple Files
30min
38. Recap & Practical Task: Build a User Registration Form with Validation and File Upload
1hr 15min
39. Working with Built-in Helpers (URL, Form, File, Text, etc.)
25min
40. Managing User State with the Session Library
25min
41. Email Sending with the Email Library
20min
42. Working with the Image Manipulation Library
25min
43. Introduction to Caching (File Caching, Redis/Memcached overview)
20min
44. Implementing Page and Query Caching
25min
45. Creating Custom Helpers and Libraries
25min
46. Recap & Practical Task: Implement Session-Based Login and Basic Caching
1hr
47. Understanding CI4's Security Features Overview
15min
48. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Prevention
20min
49. Error Handling: Configuration and Display
25min
50. Logging: Writing and Managing Log Files
20min
51. Debugging Techniques (`dd()`, Debug Toolbar)
20min
52. Recap & Practical Task: Implement Robust Error Handling and Basic XSS Protection
45min
53. Command-Line Tools: Beyond `spark serve`
20min
54. Extending the Framework with Hooks (Deep Dive into Filters)
30min
55. Custom Commands (Creating Your Own `spark` Commands)
25min
56. Integrating Third-Party Libraries (Manual & Composer)
20min
57. Recap & Practical Task: Create a Custom Command and a Global Filter
50min
58. Project Setup and Database Schema Design (for Blog)
30min
59. Building CRUD for Blog Posts with Models and Validation
1hr 30min
60. Implementing User Authentication (Login/Registration)
1hr
61. Adding Comments and User Interaction Features
1hr
62. Integrating Basic Security and Error Handling
45min
63. Final Project Review and Refinements
1hr
64. Recap & Project Submission
40min
65. Preparing the Application for Production
20min
66. Optimizing CodeIgniter 4 for Performance
25min
67. Deploying a CodeIgniter 4 Application to a Web Server
35min
68. Course Summary and Next Steps in Your CI4 Journey
20min
69. Recap & Course Conclusion
30min
