PHP Developer Needed For Library Management System

We’re looking for an experienced PHP Developer to develop, improve, test, and maintain a Library Management System. The role is primarily focused on PHP development, but the right candidate should also be comfortable with MySQL, APIs, front-end integration, debugging, and software quality assurance. ∙ Build and maintain PHP-based modules for books, members, circulation, reservations, fines, and reporting. ∙ Design and optimize MySQL databases for accurate and reliable library operations. ∙ Develop secure APIs and integrations where required. ∙ Apply structured testing and debugging practices before production release. We need practical development — clean code, stable workflows, proper testing, and documentation — not quick fixes that are difficult to maintain. Part A — PHP Development Scope 1. Backend Development / Application Layer ∙ Build and maintain PHP applications using Laravel, CodeIgniter, or another appropriate PHP framework. ∙ Develop secure REST APIs, authentication, validation, error handling, logging, and role-based permissions. ∙ Write modular, maintainable code using reusable services and clear application structure. ∙ Improve and refactor existing PHP code where required without disrupting current library operations. 2. Library Management System Features ∙ Develop modules for book cataloging, authors, publishers, categories, ISBN, copies, and availability status. ∙ Build member registration, membership management, profile, and account status features. ∙ Implement book issue, return, renewal, reservation/hold, due-date tracking, overdue status, and fine calculation. ∙ Support barcode or QR-based identification for books or members if required. ∙ Create admin dashboards and operational reports for librarians and management. 3. Database Development — MySQL ∙ Design, query, and optimize MySQL databases, tables, relationships, and indexes. ∙ Write efficient SQL queries and support database migrations, backups, and data integrity. ∙ Manage records for books, members, transactions, fines, reservations, and activity history. ∙ Troubleshoot slow queries, duplicate data, and application/database integration issues. 4. Frontend & API Integration ∙ Integrate PHP backend features with existing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Bootstrap-based interfaces. ∙ Build API connections with notification services, payment services, or third-party systems where required. ∙ Support email/SMS notifications for due dates, overdue items, reservations, or account-related events. ∙ Ensure backend and frontend workflows function consistently across major modules. 5. Software Quality Assurance ∙ Create and execute functional, regression, integration, API, and basic performance tests. ∙ Validate critical library workflows before deployment. ∙ Identify bugs, document reproducible issues, verify fixes, and support release readiness. ∙ Maintain a quality-first development process with code review and testing where appropriate. Part B — Development & Delivery Responsibilities ∙ Analyze requirements and recommend a practical technical approach before development begins. ∙ Work with Git-based version control and maintain clear, meaningful commits. ∙ Support deployment, environment configuration, troubleshooting, and production fixes. ∙ Document APIs, database changes, setup instructions, technical decisions, and major workflows. ∙ Communicate progress, blockers, and technical risks clearly during the project. Deliverables ∙ Production-ready PHP source code and required Library Management System modules. ∙ MySQL database changes, scripts, or migrations where applicable. ∙ API integrations and notification workflows where required. ∙ QA test results, bug fixes, and release validation. ∙ Technical documentation and handover notes. Budget & Timeline Budget: $700 Project length: Less than 1 month Required Skills & Expertise Development (must-have) ∙ PHP — strong professional experience ∙ Laravel, CodeIgniter, or similar PHP framework ∙ MySQL ∙ REST API development and integrations ∙ HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frontend integration ∙ Git and production debugging Software Quality Assurance (must-have) ∙ Functional, regression, integration, and API testing ∙ Bug identification, documentation, and verification ∙ Strong attention to reliability, edge cases, and production quality ∙ Ability to validate critical workflows before release Bonus ∙ Previous Library Management System experience ∙ Barcode or QR code integration ∙ Bootstrap or modern frontend frameworks ∙ Email/SMS notification integration ∙ Linux server, Docker, CI/CD, AWS, GCP, or Azure ∙ Experience modernizing legacy PHP applications Ideal Freelancer / Developer ∙ 3+ years of professional PHP development experience ∙ Has shipped real production applications, not only prototypes ∙ Strong problem-solving and debugging skills ∙ Able to work independently while communicating clearly with the team ∙ Writes clean, maintainable, documented code ∙ Available for regular progress updates and technical discussions Screening Questions Please answer the following in your proposal: ∙ Share 1–2 PHP projects you have built for production. What was your role and what did you personally develop? ∙ Have you worked on a Library Management System, inventory system, ERP, school management system, or similar platform? ∙ How would you structure the book issue, return, renewal, reservation, and fine-calculation workflow?∙ How comfortable are you working with PHP, MySQL, APIs, and existing JavaScript-based interfaces?∙ What is your approach to software quality assurance before releasing a backend feature to production? About the Engagement This role is suitable for a developer who can take ownership of PHP development while also supporting database work, library workflows, integrations, testing, and ongoing maintenance. Strong performance may lead to continued development and support work. Please do not send a generic proposal. We will shortlist candidates based on relevant PHP experience, similar system experience, MySQL capability, QA discipline, and clear answers to the screening questions.