PHP frameworks are software development frameworks that provide a foundation and structure for building web applications using PHP programming language. They offer a set of tools, libraries, and components that simplify the process of developing web applications, while also promoting best practices and standards.

Here are some popular PHP frameworks:

1. Laravel: Laravel is one of the most popular PHP frameworks, known for its elegant syntax, expressive syntax, and extensive feature set. It provides a wide range of features, including routing, database migrations, ORM, caching, authentication, and more.

2. Symfony: Symfony is a high-performance PHP framework that follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern. It offers a large number of reusable components, making it highly modular and customizable. Symfony is known for its flexibility and scalability.

3. CodeIgniter: CodeIgniter is a lightweight PHP framework designed for developers who need a simple and straightforward solution. It focuses on simplicity and speed, while still providing essential features like routing, database support, and a templating engine.

4. Yii: Yii is a high-performance PHP framework that favors convention over configuration. It features a component-based architecture, allowing developers to use only the features they need. Yii supports various features, including caching, authentication, validation, and RESTful APIs.

5. Phalcon: Phalcon is a PHP framework that is known for its speed and low resource consumption. Unlike other frameworks, Phalcon is implemented as a C extension to PHP, resulting in faster execution times. It provides a full-stack MVC framework and includes features like routing, caching, and security.

These are just a few examples of PHP frameworks, and there are many others available. The choice of framework depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the developer or development team.