Yii 1/2 legacy
Code that is years old, few tests, and the one colleague who “knows the system”.
Backend - Yii
Yii - robust and honest.
We keep Yii applications running, add APIs and migrate when the business case carries it - not for the sake of a trend.
Yii 2
Migration
Stabilisation
APIs
Where Yii still counts
Plenty of line-of-business systems are running. They need operations and a way out - not a trend presentation.
Domain logic in the controller
Rules sit in actions and views. We pull them out before we stack features on top.
Connecting to the outside
New shops or apps need APIs. The Yii system stays the source of truth - for now.
Migration pressure
Management wants Laravel or Symfony. We check what really pays off.
What we deliver
Stabilise, open up, migrate if it is worth it.
Stabilisation
Security updates, PHP version, deploy, monitoring. First breathe, then build.
API layer
REST in front of the legacy system - so new UIs do not sink into the old view layer.
Targeted features
New modules in the project's own Yii style, not as a third framework alongside.
Migration path
If it pays off: step-by-step migration to Laravel or Symfony, with data and cutover planned.
Approach: respect what is there
Yii is not a flaw. An uncontrolled rewrite often is. We measure risk, cost and benefit - and we also say “not yet”.
- Inventory: modules, data, hidden jobs
- Lift the security and PHP level
- One new channel (API) instead of a big bang
- Migration only with a business case and a rollback
How we proceed
No big-bang rewrite in week one.
Inventory
What runs, what hurts, who operates it. Risks in writing.
Harden
Updates, backup, staging. Only then new features.
Open up
An API or a new module with tests.
Decide
Stay on Yii or migrate step by step - with numbers, not with slides.
What you can build on
Honest about the technology - loyal to operations.
No forced migration
We do not earn money by talking Yii down.
Keep the knowledge
Docs and pairing before the last expert leaves.
One point of contact
Development and operations from one team.
Frequently asked questions
The questions teams really ask.
Is Yii still worth it?
For existing systems: yes, if stability and costs add up. For greenfield: rarely our first choice.
Yii 1 to 2, or off it altogether?
It depends on tests, data and expected lifespan. We cost out both routes.
Can you just “keep it alive”?
Yes - maintenance and hotfixes, with no pressure to modernise.
Where do you usually migrate to?
Laravel or Symfony, depending on team and domain. Frontend often Vue.
How long does an inventory take?
Usually a few days up to two weeks - enough for an honest plan.
How do we start?
An audit package with a fixed scope. Getting in touch is enough.
More stacks
Related technologies we often use alongside.
Time to clarify your Yii legacy?
Write to us with the version and the pain - we will propose an inventory or a hotfix.