PHP HTTP Client Libraries
HTTP client libraries for PHP provide features specialized for web application development. Guzzle is the most comprehensive and popular, cURL offers low-level control, and ReactPHP HTTP enables asynchronous processing. They comply with PSR-7 standards and provide extensibility through middleware patterns.
GitHub Star Comparison
| No | Name | GitHub Stars | Description | Trend | License | Type | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guzzle | - | HTTP client library and web service framework for PHP. PSR-7 message interface compliant with asynchronous requests, middleware system, and MockHandler testing support. Adopted by major frameworks like Laravel and Symfony. | Maintains solid position as standard HTTP client in PHP ecosystem in 2025. Default adoption in major frameworks like Laravel and Symfony, essential for API development and microservice integration. Provides high interoperability through PSR standard compliance. | MIT | Framework-integrated | Official |
| 2 | cURL | - | cURL function set in PHP standard library. Native extension enabling libcurl library usage from PHP. Supports numerous protocols including HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, cookie management, SSL configuration, proxy support. Achieves lightweight and high-performance HTTP communication. | Continues as important choice for PHP-based HTTP communication in 2025. Particularly adopted for performance-focused scenarios or simple HTTP operations. Higher learning cost but continues to be supported by developers seeking direct control and maximum performance. | PHP License | Native extension | Official |
| 3 | file_get_contents | - | Simplest HTTP client functionality using PHP standard function. Can send basic HTTP requests when combined with stream context. Lightweight with zero dependencies, suitable for prototyping and simple API calls. | Continues use for learning purposes and very simple HTTP operations in 2025. Guzzle or cURL preferred for serious development due to functional limitations, but remains valuable basic choice for education, prototyping, and lightweight scripts. | PHP License | Standard function | Official |
| 4 | ReactPHP HTTP | - | Asynchronous HTTP client in ReactPHP ecosystem. Achieves high-concurrency HTTP communication through event-driven architecture. Optimized for non-blocking I/O, streaming, and real-time communication. Supports high-performance application development beyond traditional PHP constraints. | Growing as important choice for PHP async and real-time application development in 2025. Increasing adoption in fields requiring high concurrency like IoT, chat, and API gateways. Gaining attention as technology transforming traditional PHP paradigms. | MIT | Async/Event-driven | Official |