Technologies Legacy PHP & CodeIgniter

Legacy PHP & CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter development, rescue and migration for business-critical PHP applications.

Q: Our CodeIgniter app is old, undocumented and built by another team. Can you still take it over?

Yes. We are used to working with older, poorly documented CodeIgniter codebases. We start with an audit and onboarding phase where we map critical flows, dependencies and risks, then stabilise the system before making larger changes.

Q: Do we need to migrate away from CodeIgniter immediately, or can we stay on it?

You do not always need an immediate migration. If the app is stable and your PHP version is supported, we can keep it on CodeIgniter while improving performance and security. When maintenance risk or PHP version constraints become too high, we usually recommend and plan a phased migration to Laravel or another modern framework.

Q: How do you reduce risk when changing a legacy CodeIgniter application?

We start with backups and environment separation, add basic tests around critical paths, and introduce changes in small, reversible steps. Where possible, we also improve logging and monitoring so issues can be caught quickly after deployment.

Q: Can you add new features to our existing CodeIgniter system while planning a migration?

Yes. In many projects we continue delivering new features on the current CodeIgniter app while preparing or executing a migration. We design the work so that new modules and APIs can be reused or ported to the future Laravel or modern stack with minimal rework.

Q: How long does a typical CodeIgniter rescue or modernisation project take?

A focused stabilisation and improvement phase is often in the range of a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the size and condition of the app. A full migration to Laravel or another framework is usually planned as a multi-phase project over several months so that risk is controlled and business operations are not disrupted.

Q: How do you improve performance and security in older CodeIgniter apps?

We review slow queries, add sensible caching, clean up heavy controllers and implement basic performance profiling. On the security side we focus on input validation, authentication and authorisation checks, secure configuration, patching dependencies and tightening access to the server and database.

Q: Do you rewrite everything from scratch or reuse parts of the CodeIgniter system?

We prefer to reuse stable, well-understood parts of the system where it makes sense and only rewrite modules that are blocking performance, security or roadmap goals. For migrations, we often use a strangler-fig approach: new modules are built in the new framework while the old system continues to run other areas until they are replaced.

Q: Which stack do you usually migrate CodeIgniter applications to?

Most CodeIgniter migrations we handle move to Laravel on the backend with a modern frontend such as Blade + Tailwind or React/Next.js where appropriate. We choose the exact stack based on your long-term needs, existing team skills and the rest of your architecture.

Q: What do you need from us to start a CodeIgniter engagement?

Access to a staging or copy of the application, a brief description of what the system does, any existing documentation or diagrams and a clear list of your pain points and priorities. Based on that, we can run an initial audit and propose a stabilisation and/or migration plan.

QalbIT works with teams who still rely on CodeIgniter for core operations. We stabilise existing apps, reduce risk, improve performance and, when appropriate, design a clear path to modern stacks such as Laravel – without risking a big-bang rewrite that breaks everything.

Stabilisation · Refactor · Migration

Discuss your CodeIgniter system Request a CodeIgniter audit

Typically responding within 24–48 hours. Share your current tech stack, product stage and timelines.

CodeIgniter development overview

CodeIgniter modernisation and support for legacy PHP systems

We help you get control over legacy CodeIgniter systems: first by stabilising and documenting what you already have, then by planning new features or a gradual migration to a more modern framework.

When CodeIgniter with QalbIT makes sense

You have an existing CodeIgniter application that is critical for your business and cannot simply be switched off.
Your current app is slow, fragile or hard to maintain, but a full rewrite feels too risky right now.
You want to gradually move from CodeIgniter to Laravel or a modern PHP stack without disrupting day-to-day operations.
You need a partner comfortable working with older PHP while still thinking in terms of clean architecture and future migration.

Outcomes we typically target with CodeIgniter work

A stabilised, monitored and documented CodeIgniter application that you can rely on.
Reduced operational risk through backups, basic tests and clear deployment processes.
A realistic roadmap for introducing new features without breaking legacy behaviour.
A phased migration plan to Laravel or other stacks when the timing, budget and risk profile are right.

For many teams, the right first step is not a rewrite but a focused audit and stabilisation phase that reduces risk and buys time to plan a thoughtful migration.

What we do with CodeIgniter

CodeIgniter capabilities – from rescue and refactor to migration

We focus on making your existing CodeIgniter system safer and more predictable, while preparing it for the future.

Legacy app audit & stabilisation

Audit

Health checks for your CodeIgniter app – code, database, hosting and security – with a practical list of risks and quick wins.

Bug fixes & performance improvements

Stabilisation

Targeted fixes, query optimisations, caching and housekeeping to make your existing app faster and more stable.

New features & API layers

Extension

Design and implement new modules, APIs and integrations on top of your current CodeIgniter application.

Phased migration to Laravel

Migration

Plan and execute a staged migration from CodeIgniter to Laravel or a modern PHP stack, module by module.

Want to see how these capabilities map to your product? Share a quick overview and we will respond with a practical next step.

Talk through your CodeIgniter challenges →

How CodeIgniter projects work with QalbIT

A careful, low-risk process for legacy CodeIgniter systems

We treat legacy systems with the respect they deserve: change them carefully, in small steps, and always with backups and rollback options.

01
Discovery & legacy audit
1–3 weeks
Understand how the CodeIgniter app fits into your business, review the codebase, database, hosting and dependencies, and highlight critical risks.
Key outcome: Audit report with priority issues, constraints and recommended next steps.
02
Stabilise & protect
2–6 weeks
Introduce basic monitoring, backups, environment separation and a minimal deployment process. Address the highest-risk bugs and performance bottlenecks first.
Key outcome: A more stable CodeIgniter system with reduced day-to-day incidents.
03
Enhance & expose APIs
4–10+ weeks (scope-dependent)
Implement agreed enhancements, refactor risky areas and, where useful, add an API layer that makes future migration easier.
Key outcome: Improved functionality and a better structure for future changes or migration.
04
Migration planning & pilots
2–4 weeks (planning) + phased execution
Design a migration path (often to Laravel) including module breakdown, data strategy, coexistence and rollout. Run small pilot migrations to validate the approach.
Key outcome: A realistic migration plan that balances risk, cost and business continuity.
05
Phased migration & long-term support
Ongoing, phased
Execute the migration in stages, retire old modules carefully and provide ongoing support across both the legacy and new stack until the transition is complete.
Key outcome: A modernised platform with a clean handover and minimal disruption.

Want to see how this process applies to your current stage? Share a short brief and we will respond with a tailored next step.

Walk me through this for my CodeIgniter app →

Where CodeIgniter shows up most often

CodeIgniter use cases we typically handle

We are usually brought in when a legacy CodeIgniter application is too important to fail – but too fragile to ignore.

Internal tools and line-of-business apps

For Operations and IT teams

Internal systems

Legacy internal systems for operations, finance, inventory or support that are still heavily used but have not been updated in years.

Customer and partner portals

For B2B and B2C businesses

Portals

Login-based portals, account areas or dealer systems built on older CodeIgniter versions that need security and UX updates.

APIs and integration hubs

For Product & integration teams

APIs

APIs or integration layers implemented in CodeIgniter that connect multiple systems and must stay online while being modernised.

Step-by-step migrations

For Product owners & CTOs

Migration

Scenarios where a direct rewrite is too risky, so we migrate modules gradually from CodeIgniter to Laravel or other frameworks.

Not sure if your idea or system belongs here? Send us a short description and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right team for it.

Ask if your CodeIgniter app fits these patterns →

Tech stack & approach

How we approach CodeIgniter and legacy PHP stacks

We work with the reality of your current CodeIgniter stack while gradually introducing modern PHP and DevOps practices.

Core CodeIgniter & PHP setup

Understanding and structuring what you already have.

Existing CodeIgniter versions (2.x, 3.x or 4.x) with PHP 7.x/8.x where feasible.
Routing, controllers, models and libraries reviewed for risk and quick improvements.
Database schemas (MySQL/MariaDB) documented and cleaned up gradually.

Modernisation & migration

Preparing for and executing a move to a modern stack.

Strangler-fig patterns to replace modules one by one with Laravel or other frameworks.
API layers that allow new services to coexist with the legacy CodeIgniter app.
Data migration strategies that protect integrity and minimise downtime.

Infrastructure & reliability

Keeping the legacy system healthy in production.

Environment separation (dev, staging, production) and basic CI/CD where practical.
Backups, monitoring and logging to detect issues early.
Performance tuning via caching, query optimisation and sensible resource sizing.

Quality, security & operations

Raising the floor for a legacy application.

Targeted automated tests around critical flows before major changes.
Security hardening, input validation and least-privilege access to data.
Documentation of key modules, deployment steps and recovery procedures.

If a full migration is on the roadmap, we design today’s improvements so they make that future move easier, not harder.

FAQs · Custom software & teams

CodeIgniter Development & Modernisation – Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers about stabilising, extending and migrating CodeIgniter applications with QalbIT.

✓ Covers custom software development, SaaS platforms, mobile apps and integrations.
✓ Answers about pricing, engagement models, NDAs, IP ownership and quality assurance.
✓ Written for founders, CTOs and product teams hiring a remote development partner.

Have a question that is not listed here?

Share your roadmap or idea and we’ll help you pick the right engagement model, tech stack and starting point.

Contact our experts

What types of CodeIgniter projects does QalbIT usually work on?

We typically handle legacy CodeIgniter applications that are important for operations: internal tools, portals, booking or management systems, and APIs that other applications rely on. In most cases, the system is already live and used daily when we are called in.

Our CodeIgniter app is old, undocumented and built by another team. Can you still take it over?

Do we need to migrate away from CodeIgniter immediately, or can we stay on it?

How do you reduce risk when changing a legacy CodeIgniter application?

Can you add new features to our existing CodeIgniter system while planning a migration?

How long does a typical CodeIgniter rescue or modernisation project take?

How do you improve performance and security in older CodeIgniter apps?

Do you rewrite everything from scratch or reuse parts of the CodeIgniter system?

Which stack do you usually migrate CodeIgniter applications to?

What do you need from us to start a CodeIgniter engagement?

Relying on a legacy CodeIgniter app?

Let’s stabilise it now and plan a safe future.

If your CodeIgniter application is important to your business but hard to maintain, we can audit it, reduce immediate risk and outline a realistic roadmap for improvements or migration – without betting everything on a risky big-bang rewrite.

Book a CodeIgniter review call Send us details of your legacy app

Share your current app URL (if applicable), hosting details and main pain points and we will respond with next steps.