Quick guide to Laravel package development

Contents

• Introduction
• Types of packages
• Characteristics of a package
• The Laravel package!
• Components of a Laravel package
• Example of a Laravel package
• Creating your Laravel package
  • 1- Package structure
  • 2- Required equipments
  • 3- Create package structure
  • 4- Update package manifest
  • 5- Create route
  • 6- Create configuration file
  • 7- Create command for package
  • 8- Create controller
  • 9- Create middleware
  • 10- Create [database] migration
  • 11- Create view
  • 12- Create [view] assets
  • 13- Create service provider
  • 14- Create a manual/help file
  • 15- Build our package
  • 16- Test/Use our package
• Helpful information

 

Introduction

In context of software development - particularly with PHP - a package is a modular, reusable piece of functionality that can be integrated into an application. Packages are designed to extend or enhance capabilities of a application by adding specific features or tools without reinventing wheel!

Now why packages? why not develop built-in codes and features?

Because:
Save time & effort - Instead of coding complex functionality (like payments, authn, or APIs), you use a well-tested package, by too many users (well-cooked)
Follow best practices - Good packages are built by experts(mostly), ensuring security, performance, and maintainability.
Easy updates - When a package improves, you get upgrades without rewriting your code. (composer update vendor/package)
Community-Powered - Many packages are open-source, meaning developers worldwide contribute to imptove them.

So let's avoid reinventing wheel!