I would advise not using any type of framework until you are quite comfortable with all aspects of PHP. Reason being is you should know how to use your language at a low level before you star using high level functions.

As for me, I don't use any frameworks. I am very much a minimalist when it comes to progrmaming, so I never start with anything I don't know I will need. If need comes for a framework, I will use it, but I never start saying "I have X framework, how can I find a way to use it." I have found that almost all programming needs can be met without a framework of any kind.

__________________