Favorite PHP Library

Question

Ok, so as my first question, I go against the FAQ rules: this is a subjective and argumentative question... Sorry for that.
Anyway,
I was wondering what library power PHP dev were using.
Not a full framework (like cakePHP), that forces you to code and organize files in a certain way, but a library, full of useful helpers, needed functions ( little like Prototype for JS)...
Of course, there is SPL, but beside that ?
Thanx

Answer 1

I've used the Smarty Template Engine for a long time. It's great to keep the design away from the code.

Answer 2

I've taken to building my own 'helpers' (e.g. template compiler) as I use them. I have used Zend before but felt it was too large for my requirements. I used to spend a lot of time making a worthwhile DAL but I don't even need that anymore.

At the moment most of my helper classes are datamanager or file parsers - most of what I use is built into PHP.

Answer 3

I've used SwiftMailer in nearly all my projects. Very powerful mailer library.

Answer 4

I've recently becomed enamored with Zend Framework over the last few months. It does offer the same type of site building functionality as CakePHP through a few of its classes (Zend_Controller, Zend_Layout, Zend_View). But it's important to note the vast majority of what it offers does not depend on you using only while building a site, ie: the components can be used inline with existing sites; or anywhere for that matter. Which means you can use one small component to handle some complex task instead of creating your methods/classes. The library is quite "large", but that's only insofar as what you actually use and what you don't include/require in your scripts won't effect them.

To quote from the documentation:

The component structure of ZF is somewhat unique; each component is designed with few dependencies on other components. This loosely coupled architecture allows developers to use components individually. We often call this a "use-at-will" design.

Some quick examples:

• Zend_Mail: Allows you to send email or receive/download email from any server type of your choice (IMAP, POP3).
• Zend_Feed: Helps you consume RSS feeds from other sites.
• Zend_Db: A complete database abstract, not unsimilar to ADODB.
• Zend_Server_*: They have a huge library of service consumers, including: Twitter, Yahoo, Gdata, Amazon, Flickr, etc.

The list goes on, but you can check out the manual for a full list of