Laminas API Tools compared to Dotkernel API
Summary
A side-by-side comparison of Laminas API Tools (formerly Apigility) and Dotkernel API across architecture, PHP support, database layer, authentication, authorization, documentation and tooling. API Tools is archived and MVC/event-driven; Dotkernel API is actively maintained and middleware-based.
Details
| API Tools (formerly Apigility) | Dotkernel API | |
|---|---|---|
| URL | api-tools | Dotkernel API |
| First Release | 2012 | 2018 |
| PHP Version | <= 8.2 | >= 8.2 |
| Architecture | MVC, Event Driven | Middleware |
| OSS Lifecycle | Archived |  |
| Style | REST, RPC | REST |
| Versioning | Yes | Deprecations |
| Documentation | Swagger (Automated) | OpenAPI (Swagger) / Bruno (Manual) |
| Content-Negotiation | Custom | Custom |
| License | BSD-3 | MIT |
| Default DB Layer | laminas-db | doctrine-orm |
| Authorization | ACL | RBAC-guard |
| Authentication | HTTP Basic/Digest OAuth2.0 | OAuth2.0 |
| CI/CD | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Tests | Yes | Yes |
| Code Generator | Yes | dotkernel/dot-maker |
| PSR | PSR-7 | PSR-7, PSR-15 |
FAQ
Q: Is Dotkernel API a drop-in replacement for API Tools?
A: No. The two projects differ in architecture, components and functionality, so a transition is a rewrite rather than a swap. See Transition approach.
Q: What is the biggest architectural difference?
A: API Tools is MVC and event-driven; Dotkernel API is a PSR-15 middleware pipeline. Request handling, routing and extension points all work differently as a result.
Q: Does Dotkernel API support RPC-style endpoints?
A: No. Dotkernel API is REST only, while API Tools supported both REST and RPC.
Q: How is versioning handled without API Tools' version support?
A: Dotkernel API uses deprecation rather than parallel versioned namespaces. See API evolution.
Q: Is there a code generator like API Tools' Admin UI?
A: There is no web UI, but dotkernel/dot-maker generates common code from the command line. See Creating a book module using DotMaker.
Q: Why should I move off API Tools at all?
A: API Tools is archived, so it receives no further development. Dotkernel API targets current PHP versions and is actively maintained.