Building a Business Validation Web App with PHP: The Power of ‘Old But Cold’ Technologies
In an era dominated by React, MongoDB, and other trendy frameworks, PHP continues to stand strong as a reliable solution for web development. One developer has created a business validation tool that leverages this ‘old but cold’ technology to help entrepreneurs verify their business names and concepts.
The developer showcased a project called the ‘Start Growth Assistant Web App,’ which helps startups and small to medium-sized businesses validate their ideas before entering the market. The system checks if business names are already registered in databases (currently set up for Nigerian businesses but expandable to other regions).
Key Features of the Web App
The application offers several useful features for new entrepreneurs:
- Business name validation against existing registered businesses
- Platform selection (Instagram, Shopify, etc.) for business presence
- User account creation and management
- Profile customization options
- An AI assistant named ‘Eva’ that provides business insights
Technical Implementation
Despite using what some might consider outdated technologies, the project demonstrates that PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can still produce effective, functional applications. The developer implemented:
- Custom CSS animations for visual elements like a glowing logo
- Responsive design principles
- User authentication system
- Contact form connected to email alerts
- AI integration for business intelligence
The AI Assistant Component
One of the most interesting aspects of the application is ‘Eva,’ an AI assistant trained on business-related PDFs. The AI can respond to user queries about business strategies, market saturation, and other entrepreneurial concerns. While still in development, the system demonstrates how AI can be integrated into even traditionally-built web applications.
Why ‘Old But Cold’ Still Works
The developer makes a compelling case for using established technologies: stability. While newer frameworks might be flashier, PHP and traditional web technologies offer reliability and accessibility for developers who prioritize consistent performance over cutting-edge features.
This project serves as a reminder that the tools chosen should match the project’s needs rather than simply following trends. For certain applications, particularly those requiring database interactions and form processing, PHP remains a practical choice.
Future Development
The developer mentioned that the project is still a work in progress, with features like expanded database checking for different countries planned for future updates. The current implementation serves as a proof of concept that demonstrates the viability of the idea.
For developers interested in creating business validation tools or working with PHP for modern web applications, this project provides an interesting case study in combining traditional technologies with current business needs.