Object-relational mapping (ORM) is useful in developing both Web-based and non-Web-based applications.

Many of us in desperate search for good ORM tools for PHP end up finding existing PHP persistence packages are either insufficient to address the problems we face, or unnecessarily complex that demand a steep learning curve that not many of us are able or willing to afford. And most importantly, we don’t see the existing tools providing satisfactory solutions that can work with existing code and/or databases. This is what got us started to work on an alternative.

The goal of this project is to design a lightweight and easy-to-use persistence solution for PHP. This is how the project got its name, Easy PHP Data Objects (EZPDO). Simplicity is the key. Constantly we keep the following requirements in mind when designing EZPDO.

• It requires zero SQL knowledge1) and a minumum amount of effort in ORM specification.
• It should work with existing classes and does not alter the source code.
• It should only introduce overhead to a minimum to guarentee performance.

EZPDO is also a test-driven project with continous integration. More on that in developer's guide.

Here is a quick look at the features in EZPDO before you delve into any details.

• Minimum SQL knowledge required
• Requires minimum ORM specification
• No Phing! No need of explicit command line compile
• Works with existing code and database
• Has a small runtime core to guarentee performance
• Handles 1:N, and M:N relationships automatically
• Provides a simple runtime API
• Supports object query (EZOQL)
• Auto generates database tables
• Test-driven with continuous integration

EZPDO is an open source project and uses the BSD license.

Let us start with a simple example (click here) to show you how easy it is to use EZPDO to persist and retrieve your objects.

You may also want to check out the tutorial that showcases more advanced features.

You have followed the simple example above and got the first taste of EZPDO. Easy, isn’t it? Want to do more with EZPDO? Follow the links below.

The installation guide

A tutorial to get you started

All you need to know to use EZPDO

A guide to those who are interested in EZPDO internals

Frequently asked questions & answers

Articles, blogs and projects that have impact on EZPDO

Need help, want to help, or have comments? Contact ezpdo4php [at] gmail [dot] com.