Migration of Zend Framework Magento 2 to the Laminas Project

• What is Zend Framework Magento 2?

• Why Migrate Zend Framework to Laminas Project?

• Steps to Migrate from Zend Framework to Laminas

• Use Cases & Benefits of Migrating Zend Framework to Laminas

• Troubleshooting Zend Framework to Laminas Migration Issues

• FAQs

• Summary

What is Zend Framework Magento 2?

Zend Framework is a PHP framework that powers the Magento 2 platform. It helps build scalable and secure web applications.

Magento 2 uses Zend components to manage tasks like database handling, authentication, and mail services. These components keep the platform efficient and flexible. Zend Framework allows Magento 2 to deliver strong performance and easy integration with other systems.

Magento 2 relies on Zend Framework to manage its backend and core features. The framework handles tasks like caching, form validation, and session management. Its modular design lets developers add or change features without breaking the system. The object-oriented structure makes the code easier to maintain and scale. In short, Zend Framework ensures Magento 2 remains powerful and adaptable for eCommerce needs.

Why Migrate Zend Framework to Laminas Project?

Rogue Wave Software formerly managed Zend Framework. Now, the Linux Foundation manages it under the new name, Laminas Project. This change allows users to continue receiving security updates, bug fixes, and new features.

To keep your application secure, you need to migrate to Laminas. The codebase remains the same, but it now operates under new governance and namespaces. Below are the main reasons to migrate:

1. Receive Security Updates and Bug Fixes

Migrating to Laminas, guarantees continued access to the latest security patches and bug fixes. Without migration, your Zend Framework code will no longer be updated.

It leaves your application vulnerable to potential threats. Laminas is built on the same core, but it has active support. Ensuring your project’s security is critical. Migration is the only way to keep your application safe.

2. Same Codebase, New Namespace

Laminas retains the same codebase as Zend Framework, ensuring compatibility with your existing projects. The only change is in the namespace structure, which needs to be updated to reflect the Laminas branding.

This shift is necessary for long-term support. Once migrated, your application will function as before but with the updated namespace. It’s a simple process that guarantees continued functionality.

3. Open Governance for More Transparency

Laminas is managed under an open governance model by the Linux Foundation. This new governance allows for more community involvement and transparency in the project’s future development.

An open model encourages faster updates, better support, and more innovation. The community can actively contribute to fixing issues and improving the framework. This model makes Laminas a more reliable and future-ready platform.

4. New Names for Familiar Subprojects

With the migration, subprojects like Apigility and Expressive have been renamed. Apigility is now Laminas API Tools, while Expressive is called Mezzio. The core functionality of these tools remains unchanged.

The new names align with Laminas branding but still offer the same features you are familiar with. Migrating ensures you can keep using these essential tools under their new identities.

5. Future-Proof Your Application

Staying with Zend Framework means your application will become outdated over time. Migrating to Laminas ensures your project remains scalable, secure, and supported with new features.

Laminas will continue to evolve, keeping your application aligned with future PHP advancements. Don’t let your project fall behind. Migrating is essential to ensure long-term stability and relevance.

Steps to Migrate from Zend Framework to Laminas

1. Ensure Composer is Up-to-Date

Check your Composer version. Run composer --version to see if it’s 1.7.0 or later. If it’s outdated, update it by running composer self-update. Composer is the only tool supported for this migration.

2. Put Code Under Version Control

Make sure your code is in version control. Use Git to track changes during the migration. Run git init in your project directory. Add all files with git add . and commit them using git commit -m 'Initial import'. It allows you to roll back changes if needed.

3. Install the Laminas Migration Tool

Install the laminas-migration tool globally with Composer. Run composer global require laminas/laminas-migration. Ensure the vendor/bin directory is added to your system’s $PATH. This step is necessary to run the migration commands properly.

4. Run the Migration Command

Go to your project directory. Run laminas-migration migrate to start the migration process. Use the --exclude option to skip specific directories, such as public/images. You can also add the --keep-locked-versions flag to prevent upgrading all packages to their latest versions.

5. Verify the Changes

Review the changes made during the Magento migration. If using Git, run git diff to check what was modified. Pay attention to file renames and configuration updates. Ensure references to Zend Framework components are correctly changed to Laminas.

6. Install Dependencies

Reinstall your project dependencies. Run composer install to update your composer.lock file. This step ensures all required packages are correctly installed.

7. Test Your Application

Run tests after completing the migration. Perform unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests. If issues arise, seek help from the Laminas Slack channel or report the problem to the correct repository.

Use Cases & Benefits of Migrating Zend Framework to Laminas

Use Cases	Benefits
Enterprise Applications	Laminas is enterprise-ready. It provides a strong MVC framework and PHP components. You get support for dependency injection and event dispatchers. There are many more features to enhance development.
Building RESTful APIs	You can quickly build RESTful APIs with Laminas API Tools. It offers ready-to-use authentication and authorization features. It also provides API versioning for better control.
Middleware Applications	Laminas Mezzio helps you create middleware applications quickly. It supports PSR-7 and PSR-15 standards. You can use flexible routing and templating options.
Data Validation and Filtering	Laminas components offer built-in tools for input validation and filtering. These ensure your data remains clean and secure. It helps maintain data integrity across your app.
Pagination and Navigation Systems	Laminas include tools for pagination and navigation. These are useful for enterprise and eCommerce sites. They make it easier to manage large datasets and improve user experience.

Troubleshooting Zend Framework to Laminas Migration Issues

Common Issues	Troubleshooting Steps
Missing Dependencies	Ensure you have updated Composer to the latest version. Run composer install to pull in any missing packages. Double-check your composer.json for outdated or missing dependencies.
Namespace Errors	Check that all Zend namespaces have been correctly replaced with Laminas. Use git diff to verify any changes. Ensure that custom classes using Zend components are updated.
Outdated Packages	If using the --keep-locked-versions flag, some packages may be outdated. Remove unnecessary packages from composer.json and update with composer update --lock.
Template or View Issues	Review the changes in templating engines. Ensure all views and template paths reference the correct Laminas components. Check configuration files for mismatched paths.
Configuration Errors	Review changes to configuration keys. Ensure Zend references are updated to Laminas. Double-check custom configurations to match Laminas standards.

FAQs

1. What happens to Zend Framework 1 modules in Magento 2.4.6?

Modules based on Zend Framework 1 are no longer compatible with Magento 2.4.6. You must migrate them to Laminas or update them to newer versions. It ensures security and compatibility with the Magento framework.

2. How do I resolve the "Class Zend not found" error in Magento?

The "Class Zend not found" error occurs when your project still references old Zend classes. Update these to the new Laminas classes to fix the issue. Ensure all namespaces have been replaced correctly during migration.

3. Why should I migrate from Zend to Laminas?

Migrating from Zend to Laminas ensures ongoing security updates and support. Laminas provides the same functionality and updated governance and features. This transition is essential for keeping your Magento extensions secure and future-proof.

4. What has been removed from Magento 2 in the 2.4.6 release?

Zend Framework 2 components have been entirely removed from Magento 2.4.6. You need to replace them with their Laminas equivalents. It, with dedicated Magento hosting, ensures continued functionality and access to security patches.

5. Are Zend Framework 2 classes still usable in Magento 2?

No, Zend Framework 2 classes are deprecated in Magento 2. You must replace all Zend classes with Laminas classes. You must migrate to ensure your application is supported.

6. How do I use Laminas classes in my Magento extension?

To use Laminas classes, update the namespaces in your code from Zend to Laminas. It ensures your extension is compatible with Magento's latest version. Make sure to test after migration to avoid any issues.

Summary

Migrating from Zend Framework Magento 2 to Laminas is essential for security and support. Here are the key benefits:

• Security Patches: Keep your store safe with regular updates.

• Codebase Compatibility: Retain your existing code with minor changes.

• Transparency: Benefit from open governance and community support.

• Future-Proof: Ensure long-term stability for your Magento store.

• Smooth Migration: Follow simple steps to migrate efficiently.

Consider Managed Magento Hosting for a smooth Zend Framework migration.