Laravel is a widely popular open-source PHP web application framework prized for its ability to craft resilient and expandable web applications. With the unveiling of Laravel 10 on February 14, 2023, numerous developers are eager to migrate their existing Laravel 9 projects to the latest version.
With major improvements, bug fixes, and performance optimizations, Laravel 10 highlights the importance for developers to maintain up-to-date projects. Nevertheless, upgrading Laravel can prove to be a challenging process if you’re not working with a Laravel development company. Without a well-structured plan, it may result in compatibility complications or unforeseen bugs.
This article is here to provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your Laravel 9 project to Laravel 10 with ease.
New Features and Updates in Laravel 10
The framework’s core team constantly works to give its users the best possible experience. In order to avoid confusion, it is advised to use version limitations, such as “10.0,” when referring to the framework or any of its parts in an application or package. This is due to the possibility that updated and subsequent versions will contain major modifications.
Similarly, there are various updates in the most recent version of Laravel 10, which include:
- PHP 8.0 Support Dropped: Laravel 10 no longer supports PHP 8.0; an upgrade to PHP 8.1 or 8.2 is necessary. You may need to migrate to Predis v2 due to the discontinuation of Predis v1 and PHP 8.0 support.
- Laravel Pennant Introduced: Laravel Pennant simplifies feature flag implementation, including A/B testing, trunk-based development, and runtime feature toggling.
- Streamlined Process Handling: Laravel enhances Symphony Process component API for easier external process execution.
- Default Invokable Validation Rules: Laravel 10 simplifies Invokable rule creation without “—invokable” flags.
- Application Skeleton Code with Type Declarations: Laravel adopts Type Declarations, improving code clarity without sacrificing backward compatibility.
- ‘dispatchNow()’ Removed: Laravel 10 eliminates the ‘dispatchNow()’ method, deprecated in Laravel 9 in favor of ‘dispatchSync()’. Replacing this method is essential, as it constitutes a breaking change.
- Deprecations from Laravel 9: Laravel 10 phases out deprecated methods and packages from Laravel 9, as outlined in the updated upgrade process documentation.
Why Should You Migrate to Laravel 10?
The release of Laravel 10 has prompted an expectation for all websites and applications currently operating on Laravel 9 to undergo an upgrade to the most recent iteration. While Laravel 9 will continue to receive security updates until February 2024 and bug fixes until August 2023, it is wise to ensure your Laravel development company has promptly migrated its system to the latest stable release to sustain the comparable performance of your website or custom application.
Compatibility and Testing
Before starting the migration, it is crucial to verify the compatibility of your existing Laravel 9 project. You should have the most recent Laravel 9 version installed, along with all dependencies being current. You can confirm the Laravel version in your project by executing the following command:
After testing and ensuring that your Laravel 9 project is in its latest state, you can then proceed with the upgrade process.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Seamless Migration
Step #1 – Upgrade Laravel Dependencies
Begin by ensuring your Laravel project’s dependencies are up to date. To accomplish this, navigate to your project’s composer.json file and make the necessary adjustments. Open the file and update the Laravel version to ^10.0, along with any other dependencies:
Then run the following command:
Executing this command will bring all of your project’s dependencies, including Laravel, up to their most current versions.
Step #2 – Update Configuration Files
Next in line is the adjustment of your Laravel project’s configuration files. Laravel 10 has implemented modifications to these files, necessitating corresponding updates. The following alterations are required:
- Within the config/app.php file, modify the “timezone” key’s value to reflect your timezone.
- In the config/auth.php file, adjust the “guards” key as follows:
- Inside the config/session.php file, update the “same_site” key’s value to “lax.”
- Within the app/Http/Kernel.php file, remove the line containing:
Step #3 – Update Blade Syntax
Laravel 10 has implemented modifications to the Blade syntax, necessitating updates to your Blade templates. The following adjustments are necessary:
- The “@method” directive is no longer compatible with Blade templates. Instead, utilize the “@csrf” directive.
- The “@error” directive has been substituted with the “@if($errors->any())” directive.
Step #4 – Update Route Definitions
Laravel 10 has brought several changes to route definitions, necessitating adjustments in your route definitions. Here are the modifications you should ask your Laravel development company to apply:
- The “Route::fallback” method has been substituted with the “Route::any(‘{any}’, …” method.
- The “Route::get” method now accommodates a second parameter, an array of middleware.
- The “Route::middleware” method is now deprecated, and it’s advisable to employ the “Route::aliasMiddleware” method instead.
Step #5 – Update Models
Laravel 10 has brought about modifications to models, necessitating adjustments in your models. Here are the changes to be implemented:
- The “HasFactory” trait has been substituted with the “HasFactoryTrait” trait.
- The “scope” method has been exchanged for the “apply” method.
Step #6 – Update Controllers
Laravel 10 has implemented modifications to controllers, requiring adjustments in your controllers. Here are the alterations you need to apply:
- The “validation” method has been substituted with the “validate” method.
- The “authorize” method has been exchanged for the “authorizeForUser” method.
Step #7 – Update Migrations
Laravel 10 has brought modifications to migrations, necessitating updates in your migration files. Here are the adjustments required:
- The “bigInteger” method has been substituted with the “bigIntegerUnsigned” method.
- The “unsignedBigInteger” method is now deprecated; it’s advisable to employ the “bigIntegerUnsigned” method instead.
Step #8 – Update Tests
Laravel 10 has introduced modifications to tests, necessitating updates in your test files. Here are the changes that need to be implemented by your Laravel development company:
- The “TestCase” class has been substituted with the “Tests\TestCase” class.
- The “DatabaseTransactions” trait has been replaced with the “RefreshDatabase” trait.
Step #9 – Run Migration and Test
After you’ve completed the upgrade from Laravel 9 to Laravel 10, the next step is to execute the migration process to update your database schema. To achieve this, use the following command:
Additionally, it’s important to conduct testing to verify that everything functions as anticipated. To execute this, utilize the following command:
Step #10 – Update Documentation and Guides
Upon completing a successful upgrade of your Laravel application, it’s important to revise your internal documentation, user guides, and API documentation to incorporate any modifications introduced in the new version. This practice guarantees that forthcoming developers or contributors to your project are equipped with precise information regarding the upgraded codebase.
How to Ensure a Smooth Transition – Tips and Best Practices
Here are some best practices to ensure you migrate with ease:
- Review Official Documentation: Study Laravel’s official upgrade documentation for your target version to understand new features and potential compatibility issues.
- Check Server Requirements: Ensure your server meets the version and extension requirements for the new Laravel version.
- Use the `down()` Method Correctly for Rollbacks: The down() method, invoked by the `php artisan migrate:rollback` command, is executed when you need to reverse any changes made to your database.
- Backup Your Application: Create a comprehensive backup of your app, including databases and configurations, as a safety net.
- Update Dependencies: Use Composer, npm, or Yarn to update Laravel and third-party packages, being mindful of version compatibility.
- Address Deprecated Features: Replace deprecated methods and functionalities in your codebase with recommended alternatives to maintain compatibility.
- Run Automated Tests: Execute automated tests to confirm critical functions remain intact and address any failures.
- Update Custom Code: Review and adjust code affected by Laravel version changes, referring to the upgraded documentation and encountered error messages for guidance.
- Optimize Performance: Leverage Laravel upgrades for performance gains by identifying bottlenecks and optimizing your code with the latest features.
How to Handle Deprecations
The Laravel documentation has been updated to include all modifications and significant deprecations. If your Laravel development company intends to migrate from Laravel 9 to Laravel 10, it’s essential to rework any code employing deprecated methods, adopting new approaches to attain identical outcomes.
Below is a compilation of some noteworthy deprecations:
- The Route::home method (deprecated in Laravel 9)
- Functions and methods around dispatchNow, deprecated to encourage developers to use dispatchSync, the only supported method for immediate dispatch
- The getBaseQuery method, which has a toBase equivalent
- The MaintenanceModeException class
- The MocksApplicationServices trait
- The mail fake’s Mail::failures method
- The $dates property (use $casts instead)
- The assertTimesSent() method
- Support for Predis 1 and DBAL 2
- All related deprecations in doctrine/dbal since Laravel dropped support for version 2
Performance Enhancements
One of the most prominent differences between Laravel 9 and 10 centers on the introduction of Blade X. Blade X serves as a fresh syntax for crafting views within Laravel, simplifying the process of generating robust layouts and templates. It also ushers in the concept of components, reusable elements that expedite the construction of intricate user interfaces.
Another substantial upgrade is the incorporation of Laravel Jetstream, a pre-configured authentication and scaffolding package. Jetstream offers a streamlined approach to integrating authentication and account management features into your web applications. With it, your Laravel development company can promptly establish secure login forms, implement two-factor authentication, manage password resets, and much more.
Furthermore, Laravel 10 elevates its support for real-time applications. The framework now boasts built-in capabilities for event broadcasting, leveraging both Redis and WebSockets, empowering developers to swiftly construct potent real-time applications. This new feature simplifies the creation of interactive experiences within web applications like never before.
Security Updates
Laravel’s standout attributes revolve around its robust security measures. The Laravel 10 update places a significant emphasis on its meticulously crafted Content Security Policy (CSP), effectively reducing the risk of user data theft and thwarting potential cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Additional updates include:
- Enhanced Security: Laravel employs salting, hashing, and the Bcrypt algorithm for password security. It offers protection against SQL injection and provides features like encryption, route protection, and user authentication.
- Built-in Templates: Laravel includes lightweight templates with widgets for dynamic layouts. Blade, its template engine, simplifies HTML and PHP integration for efficient template management.
- MVC Architecture: Laravel supports the Model-View-Controller architecture for structured development, improved speed, and organized code in large projects.
- OOL and ORM: Object-Oriented Libraries and Object Relationship Mapping are included. Eloquent, a top ORM solution, streamlines database operations.
- Installation and Task Management: Laravel simplifies task scheduling and automation, making it easy to manage recurring tasks.
- Automated Package Discovery: Laravel’s latest version automates package detection during installation.
- Advanced Application Testing: Laravel promotes robust application development through automated testing, bug detection, and regression prevention.
- Database Migration: Laravel offers database migration for efficient database management.
- Artisan Command: Artisan automates tasks with custom commands for various operations.
- Access Control and Authorization: Laravel simplifies access control and authorization implementation, enhancing data security.
Conclusion
If done correctly, upgrading your Laravel 9 to Laravel 10 can be quite simple. It involves updating your dependencies, configuration files, Blade syntax, route definitions, models, controllers, migrations, and tests. Once you’ve completed these essential modifications, you can execute the migration and testing to confirm that everything functions as intended.
By embracing the latest Laravel version, you can leverage new features and updates that enhance the performance and scalability of your web application.
Why Hire My Web Programmer For Laravel Development?
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We offer comprehensive Laravel development solutions, expediting the deployment of your web applications. Our developers employ cutting-edge tools and technologies, prioritizing optimization for enhanced performance. With our extensive track record spanning diverse industries, we ensure your application remains up to date, equipped with the latest features and security enhancements.
Additional Resources:
https://laravel.com/docs/10.x/releases
https://laravel.com/docs/10.x/installation
https://laravel.com/docs/10.x/upgrade
https://benjamincrozat.com/laravel-best-practices#laravel-best-practices
