Laravel is an open-source PHP web application framework that was first released in 2011. It is designed to help developers build high-quality web applications faster and more efficiently by providing a robust set of tools and features.

Laravel is different from other PHP frameworks in several ways. Firstly, it has a very elegant and expressive syntax that allows developers to write clean and maintainable code. It uses modern PHP features like namespaces, closures, and traits to make coding more efficient and enjoyable.

Secondly, Laravel has a strong emphasis on developer experience (DX). It provides a powerful command-line interface (CLI) called Artisan that can be used to generate boilerplate code, run migrations, and perform other common tasks. Laravel also has a rich ecosystem of packages and tools that can be used to extend its functionality.

Thirdly, Laravel is known for its robust set of features and built-in libraries. It includes powerful features like routing, middleware, templating, and database abstraction out of the box. It also provides a built-in ORM called Eloquent that makes working with databases a breeze.

Overall, Laravel has become one of the most popular PHP frameworks due to its modern features, elegant syntax, and focus on developer experience. Its strong community and vast ecosystem of packages make it an excellent choice for building robust and scalable web applications.