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Smarty Framework to Laravel

Migration from Smarty to Laravel
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Background

In January 2025, The WebCo. was engaged by a Finance Company (the client), utilising an outdated version (2.6.17) of the Smarty Framework. Smarty is a PHP-based template engine designed to separate the presentation layer (HTML/CSS) from the logic layer (PHP), allowing developers to implement a more structured and readable template syntax. However, due to the obsolescence of the existing Smarty framework, the Finance Company decided to upgrade and Migrate its Smarty Framework to a modern, more secure Laravel Platform.

The Challenges Faced with the existing Smarty Framework

  • 01

    Limited Scalability

    Smarty, being a templating engine, lacked a full-fledged MVC structure, making complex application development challenging.
  • 02

    Code Maintainability Issues

    The absence of standardised coding practices led to codebase inconsistencies.
  • 03

    Security Concerns

    Without built-in security features like CSRF protection, the application was vulnerable.
  • 04

    Performance Bottlenecks

    As the business grew, the Smarty-based system struggled with speed and efficiency.
  • 05

    Lack of Modern Development Features

    Features like API integrations, automated testing, and built-in authentication were difficult to implement.

Project Brief

Key requirements included:

  • Migrate the existing Smarty Framework website to a contemporary framework with enhanced security measures.
  • Modernising the website’s design and user experience.

Our Approach

The WebCo’s initial step was to assess the resources required for upgrading the existing Smarty framework versus the effort needed to re-platform the solution. Upon evaluating both options, we conducted a comparative analysis to determine the financial investment and technical feasibility of each approach.


We prepared a comprehensive list of advantages and disadvantages for both upgrading and re-platforming. The analysis highlighted that re-platforming offered greater long-term benefits, both financially and functionally. Given the outdated nature of the existing Smarty framework, re-platforming to Laravel provided a cost-effective and scalable solution. This transition also enabled us to introduce new functionalities and refine the website’s design within the allocated budget.


Following discussions with the client, they approved the re-platforming approach, allowing us to proceed with the implementation.

Solution Overview

The re-platforming process involved the following key phases:

Planning

Our project manager collaborated closely with the development team to devise a comprehensive implementation plan. Using detailed documentation and flow diagrams, we ensured that the new Laravel-based system retained all essential functionalities of the original Smarty platform. Additionally, we worked closely with the client to gather any new requirements and determine the necessary visual enhancements.

Security Enhancements

Security was a primary concern throughout the re-platforming process. Our approach included:
  • Implementing Laravel’s security best practices
  • Configuring API authentication to enhance data protection and access control
  • CSRF Protection (Cross-Site Request Forgery)
  • SQL Injection Prevention
  • XSS Protection (Cross-Site Scripting)
  • Authentication & Authorization
  • Password Hashing
  • Encryption
  • Secure API Authentication
  • Rate Limiting & Throttling
  • Secure File Uploads
  • Signed URLs & Secure Routing
  • Session Security
  • Content Security Policy (CSP)

Database Migration

The database migration posed a significant challenge due to the structural differences between Smarty and Laravel. To address this, we developed custom migration scripts to extract, transform, and import data efficiently. This approach ensured data integrity and minimised disruptions during the transition.

Front-End Migration

Our design team provided Figma files outlining necessary improvements to the website’s visual presentation. We successfully replicated the original design where needed while integrating the recommended enhancements. This improved the overall user experience while maintaining brand consistency.

Client Communication & Training

Although the new CMS was designed to be intuitive, we prioritised user training to ensure a seamless transition. Prior to the system launch, we conducted thorough training sessions and provided comprehensive support to equip the client’s team with the necessary knowledge to manage the new platform effectively.

Milestone Tracking

A milestone document was created to define critical checkpoints and ensure project progress aligned with deadlines.

Development Process

An Agile development approach was adopted to enable flexibility and continuous collaboration:

  • Fortnightly Work-in-Progress (WIP) meetings ensured transparency and allowed Our client to review progress iteratively.
  • Stakeholders could approve specific sections during development, reducing the risk of last-minute changes.

Testing & Deployment

  • Conducted unit testing and integration testing using PHPUnit.
  • Deployed the new system in staging mode for real-world testing.
  • Migrated production data and successfully launched the new Laravel-based platform.

Go-Live Process

The go-live phase was meticulously planned and executed during weekday business hours to facilitate immediate post-launch support. Post-deployment validation covered:
  • Functionality under live conditions.
  • Integration with third-party systems.
  • SEO validation and analytics.

Results & Business Impact

  • 50% Faster Performance – Laravel’s optimised architecture significantly improved load times
  • Better Security – Built-in security features (CSRF protection, SQL injection prevention).
  • Easier Maintenance – Laravel’s standardised structure made future development smoother
  • Scalability – The new system could handle higher traffic loads with optimised database queries.
  • Improved Developer Productivity – Faster feature implementation using Laravel’s extensive package ecosystem.

Conclusion

The successful re-platforming of the Finance Company’s website from Smarty to Laravel has provided significant improvements in performance, security, and maintainability. By leveraging Laravel’s modern framework, The WebCo. has enhanced scalability, streamlined development workflows, and implemented robust security measures to protect user data. The structured development process, including meticulous planning, milestone tracking, and Agile methodologies, ensured a seamless transition while minimising disruptions. With a faster, more secure, and future-proof system in place, the Finance Company is now well-equipped to support business growth and evolving technological demands.

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Email Address
partners@thewebco.co.nz

Phone Number
0800 444 000

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