Guide · Open source
How to use CodeIgniter: clone the repo and what to know
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
CodeIgniter is an open-source PHP framework that gives developers a structured starting point for building websites and web applications. This guide is for PHP developers, people maintaining an existing CodeIgniter codebase, and students learning how PHP frameworks are organised. The source for this entry is thin: its README was empty, so this page covers only what is confirmed: where the code lives, how to clone it, its licence and its origins.
CodeIgniterbcit-ci/CodeIgniter · ★ 18.2k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check PHP is installed. Confirm PHP is available on your machine. The required version is not stated in the source, so check the homepage.
- 2Install Git. Make sure the git command works in your terminal so you can clone the repository.
- 3Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/bcit-ci/CodeIgniter.git in the folder where you want the project.
- 4Read the official docs. Open https://codeigniter.com/ to find build and configuration steps, since the README in this entry was empty.
- 5Build the project. Follow the clone-and-build steps described in the project's own files or documentation.
What is CodeIgniter and where did it come from?
CodeIgniter is described as an open source PHP framework originally from EllisLab. Its repository is published under the bcit-ci organisation on GitHub and is licensed under the MIT licence, which is a permissive open-source licence.
The project is aimed at developers who want a framework with a relatively small footprint, according to the entry's own summary.
- Language: PHP
- Licence: MIT
- Homepage: https://codeigniter.com/
What you need before you start
You need PHP installed. The source does not specify which PHP version CodeIgniter requires, so check the project homepage or the repository for that detail before you commit to a setup.
Git is needed for the clone step shown below.
- PHP (required version not stated in the available README)
- Git, to clone the repository
Get the CodeIgniter source code
The only install command confirmed by the source is cloning the repository with Git. Run it in the folder where you want the project to live. This creates a local copy of the code.
git clone https://github.com/bcit-ci/CodeIgniter.gitBuild and configure the project
The install method for this project is listed as clone-and-build, but the README supplied for this entry was empty, so the build steps, configuration files and project layout are not confirmed here. Read the official homepage and the files in your cloned folder for the exact steps.
If you are working from an existing CodeIgniter codebase, follow the setup notes that came with that project rather than this guide.
Who should choose CodeIgniter, and who should look elsewhere
CodeIgniter suits PHP developers who want a lighter framework, people extending an existing CodeIgniter application, and students studying how PHP web frameworks are structured.
It is a weaker choice if you need detailed, verified documentation available from the README alone, or if you need a specific modern PHP version or feature set that is not confirmed in the metadata. Comparable projects named for this entry are Laravel, Symfony and Slim.
What people use it for
- Maintaining or extending an existing CodeIgniter codebase
- Building a small PHP website or web application on a structured framework
- Studying how a PHP web framework is organised
- Comparing framework designs before choosing between CodeIgniter, Laravel, Symfony or Slim
Frequently asked questions
Is CodeIgniter free to use?
Yes. CodeIgniter is published under the MIT licence, a permissive open-source licence. The source does not list any paid tier.
How do I install CodeIgniter?
The confirmed command is git clone https://github.com/bcit-ci/CodeIgniter.git. The README in this entry was empty, so the build and configuration steps after cloning are not confirmed here; check the official homepage at https://codeigniter.com/.
What PHP version does CodeIgniter need?
The source does not specify a PHP version. Check the official homepage or the repository files for the current requirement before installing.
What is CodeIgniter's history?
The project is described as originally from EllisLab. The repository now lives under the bcit-ci organisation on GitHub.
What are good alternatives to CodeIgniter?
The comparable projects named for this entry are Laravel, Symfony and Slim. Choose based on the size of your project and the features you need.
Is CodeIgniter good for beginners?
It can suit students learning how PHP frameworks are structured, but the thin documentation available in this entry means beginners may need to rely on the official homepage for guidance.
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Our verdict
CodeIgniter is a reasonable pick for PHP developers who want a lighter, MIT-licensed framework, and for anyone maintaining an existing CodeIgniter app. Pick Laravel, Symfony or Slim if you need thorough documentation you can verify from this page, or a clearly stated modern PHP requirement, since neither is confirmed by the source here.
Install options & downloads