Learn Backend Development with DALT.PHP
A transparent PHP framework designed for learning - see everything, write real code, understand how web apps actually work.
DALT is a learning framework where you can see and understand everything. The entire codebase is ~1,000 lines of readable PHP. You write real SQL queries, handle security yourself, and see exactly how routing, sessions, and authentication work under the hood.
This isn't a framework for shipping production apps. It's a framework for understanding how web applications actually work.
You Write Real Code
No magic, no abstractions hiding the details. You see $_SESSION, $_GET, and $_POST directly. You write SQL with prepared statements. You handle CSRF tokens yourself.
// routes/routes.php
$router->get('/posts/{id}', 'posts/show.php');
// app/Http/controllers/posts/show.php
$db = App::resolve(Database::class);
$post = $db->query('SELECT * FROM posts WHERE id = ?', [$_GET['id']])->findOrFail();
view('posts/show.view.php', ['post' => $post]);Why DALT for Learning?
DALT gives you structure without hiding complexity. You don't waste time setting up routing or database connections, but you see exactly how they work. When something breaks, you can read the framework code and fix it - it's only 1,000 lines.
The framework includes optional lessons and debugging challenges to help you get started, but they're easily removable. The real learning happens when you build your own projects and see how everything connects.