What's New in Laravel Version 11

Introduction

In this blog, we will explore the upcoming features and changes in Laravel version 11. Laravel is a versatile platform that allows developers to create a wide range of applications. The new release, set to launch in the first quarter of 2024, promises to bring exciting enhancements and improvements to the framework. Let's dive into the details and see what's on the horizon for Laravel 11.

Minimum PHP Requirement

To begin with, Laravel 11 has increased its minimum PHP requirement to version 8.2. This means that if you want to use Laravel 11, you need to ensure that your PHP version is at least 8.2. You can check the latest version of PHP on the official PHP website (php.net). It's worth noting that PHP versions typically have a lifespan of around three years before they reach their end of life. Based on this timeline, it is anticipated that PHP 8.2 will be supported until around 2025.

Comparing Laravel 11 and Laravel 10

Let's take a closer look at some of the key differences between Laravel 11 and its predecessor, Laravel 10.

App Folder Changes

In Laravel 11, the app folder has undergone some changes. The console and exceptions folders have been removed, resulting in a slimmer application skeleton compared to Laravel 10. However, the HTTP folder and models folder remain in both versions.

Controllers and Models

Another noticeable difference can be observed in the controllers and models directories. In Laravel 11, the controller.php file is an abstract class with at least one abstract method declaration. On the other hand, Laravel 10 has a controller.php file that is a class extended by a base controller. Additionally, Laravel 11 introduces traits for class usage.

Providers

The providers directory also exhibits changes between the two versions. In Laravel 11, there is a single app service provider file, whereas Laravel 10 has five service provider files.

Bootstrap Folder

The bootstrap folder plays a significant role in Laravel 11's structure. It has been revamped and now includes a provider file, which allows you to add additional service providers to your project.

Configuration Files

In Laravel 11, the config folder appears to be empty. However, this does not mean that the configuration files are completely gone. They are simply not published by default. You can use the "php artisan config publish" command to publish the desired configuration files. This gives you the flexibility to customize your configuration based on your project's requirements.

Database Migrations

Laravel 11 introduces some changes to database migrations. Additional tables, such as job batches and cache locks, have been added. These changes align with Laravel 11's focus on improving caching capabilities and facilitating batch job execution.

Routes

The routes directory in Laravel 11 does not include API routes or channel routes by default. However, you can use the "php artisan install api" or "php artisan install broadcast" commands to add these routes as needed.

Conclusion

Laravel 11 brings several exciting changes and improvements to the framework. With a slimmer application skeleton, enhanced configuration options, and improved caching capabilities, Laravel 11 offers developers a more streamlined and efficient development experience. The upgrade to PHP 8.2 ensures that Laravel remains compatible with the latest PHP versions. As Laravel version 11 is set to launch in the first quarter of 2024, developers can look forward to leveraging these new features and enhancements in their projects.