PHP development, from a simple site to a complex application
Laravel. Symfony. And the old code nobody wants to open.
PHP runs a large share of the web, including a lot of software that quietly keeps companies going. We build new applications on Laravel and Symfony, and we take on older PHP codebases that still work but have become risky to change. Based in Vienna, working with clients across Europe.
PHP Development in Vienna.
PHP earned its bad reputation years ago and has spent the time since outgrowing it. Modern PHP is typed, fast and pleasant to work in, and the frameworks around it are as mature as anything in the field. What has not changed is that the language makes it easy to write code badly, which is why the quality of a PHP project depends almost entirely on who wrote it.
For new work we build on Laravel, with Symfony where a project calls for it. Typed code, real test coverage, queues for the slow work, and an architecture that survives the second and third year of feature requests.
The other half of our PHP work is rescue. Applications on an unsupported version, no tests, a deploy process someone left behind, and a business that depends on all of it. We start by reading and documenting what is actually there, then upgrade in steps that keep the thing running. Often that is legacy modernization rather than a rewrite, which is usually the cheaper and less risky path.
What we build sits on Docker infrastructure, so the version running locally is the version running in production.
What you get with Dotbite as your PHP partner
- Laravel first. Our main stack, with Symfony where it fits better.
- Modern PHP. Typed, tested, and built to stay readable.
- Legacy rescue. Unsupported versions upgraded in steps, with the business still running.
- Performance under load. Queues, caching and query work before it becomes urgent.
- Containerized. The same version locally and in production.
- Supported afterwards. The team that wrote it keeps it current.
Sitting on PHP nobody wants to touch?
Book a free discovery call →
Our work in this field
epunkt
We partnered with epunkt to build a modern job and client platform on a stable technical foundation, fully integrated with Salesforce as the single source of truth.
Fixmetall
Your small-scale steel or metal is one click away. Discover over 10,000 products and have them precisely delivered straight to your home.
Zurich - LiLi
The LiLi application is a fast application to classify, index and validate documents across different input channels.
Digitale Tennisschule
Manage training sessions, coaches, players, courts and your tennis school as a whole. From training planning to billing with just a few clicks.
LEAD Horizon - Alles Gurgelt!
LEAD Horizon wanted to bring highly intuitive, safe and fast PCR testing into people’s homes. We developed the Web App that made “Alles Gurgelt” possible.
whoranks
In a world where LinkedIn has become a powerhouse for networking, branding, and thought leadership, understanding your influence and engagement on the platform is crucial.
Vengolino - Vienna Red Cross
Tasty, healthy & personal, "Vengolino" for short. The food ordering app from the Vienna Red Cross.
timebite
timebite is a crowd-based learning platform where students share their learning tips for exams and reflect on their learning behavior through individual statistics.
Quinn - TU Vienna
Quinn is a native ECTS evaluation app that we developed together with the Vienna University of Technology to improve ECTS equity and studyability.
Our approach
Together with the customer, we take a holistic look at the project, sift through rough edges, find hidden potential and possible obstacles. The customer’s idea is consistently pursued from the initial concept to beyond the market launch.
Targeted prototypes and conclusive MVPs ensure that the idea is on the right track. Our agility through Scrum allows us to implement changes quickly. Short communication channels and our dedicated teams also ensure that there is always a team member available who is intimately familiar with the subject matter.
Technologies we use
Who is Dotbite?
Dotbite is a team of passionate software engineers, creative designers, digital natives, innovative thinkers, and inspiring product owners who thrive in the digital world. We specialize in scalable solutions for large amounts of data, fast infrastructure, and a user experience made for humans.
Our clients
Ready to connect the dots?
Hi, I’m Emir, CEO and Co-Founder of Dotbite.
You have an interesting idea for a digital project and are looking for a sparring partner pushing the challenge through with you?
You’ve come to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PHP still a good choice today?
Yes. Modern PHP is typed, fast and pleasant to work in, and it runs a large share of the web. At Dotbite it is our main stack because the ecosystem is mature and hiring is realistic. The old reputation comes from code written a decade ago.
What does PHP development cost?
It is priced on the actual requirements. We scope with you first and quote a fixed price against the written specification. For applications we maintain and extend over time, a framework agreement covers the ongoing work instead of separate quotes for each change.
Do you work with Symfony as well as Laravel?
Yes. Laravel is our default because it covers most business applications with less setup, and Symfony fits projects that need its structure or already run on it. We pick based on your case rather than defaulting to one.
Can you rescue an old PHP application?
Usually yes, and it is more often the cheaper path than a rewrite. We start by reading and documenting what is actually there, then upgrade in steps that keep the application running. If a rewrite genuinely is the better option, we say so with the reasoning.
How long does an upgrade to a current PHP version take?
A well-maintained application often takes one to three weeks. Applications several major versions behind, without tests, take considerably longer, because the work is in making changes safe before making them. We assess that first so the estimate holds.