For PHP I'd recommend to take a look at libraries that adhere to the PSR (Php Standard Recommendations). It is very easy to build your own microframework with them and add only what you need and nothing else. For the libraries themselves look at the League of Extraordinary Packages: https://thephpleague.com/. Zend and Symfony also have PSR compatible libraries you can use. They are no longer the big monoliths of yesteryear.