Welcome
Learn backend development by building with transparent code
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, handle security yourself, and see exactly how web applications work.
How to Use This Documentation
Start with Quick Start to install DALT and create your first route. Then build complete projects using the Guides section - you'll learn by doing.
The Lessons and Challenges sections provide optional onboarding. They're helpful if you're new to backend development, but you can skip them and just start building.
Why DALT for Learning
DALT doesn't hide complexity behind abstractions. You see $_SESSION arrays, write SQL queries with prepared statements, and handle CSRF tokens yourself. When something breaks, you can read the framework code - it's only 1,000 lines.
This transparency is the point. You're not learning a framework's way of doing things. You're learning how web applications actually work. When you move to Laravel later, you'll understand what's happening behind Eloquent and Blade.
What You Get
Routes, database access, authentication, and validation are already set up. You don't waste time on boilerplate, but you see exactly how everything works. Open framework/Core/Router.php or framework/Core/Database.php and read the code - it's clear and documented.