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Introduction
Do you want to build your first Laravel application but need help figuring out where to start? You're in the right place! Laravel, a PHP framework known for its powerful features and simplicity, is one of the most popular PHP Frameworks.
Laravel is the framework of choice for many web developers worldwide. It has been used to build over 1.7 million sites. Laravel allows you to accomplish your goals, whether a personal project or an enterprise-level web application. This guide will provide easy instructions for creating useful Laravel apps. Let's start the journey of creating useful Laravel applications!
Let's first explore Laravel briefly before we get into the steps.
What is Laravel?
Laravel is a free, open-source PHP framework designed to accelerate web development by simplifying routine tasks such as routing, authentication, caching, and more. This allows developers to focus on creating unique, app-specific features rather than repetitive coding tasks.
Laravel's clean and elegant syntax makes development faster, easier, and enjoyable for developers of all skill levels. With over 68,000 developers worldwide contributing to Laravel, it has become one of the most widely-used frameworks. Regular updates and robust features, supported by an active community, demonstrate its widespread popularity and continuous improvement.
Laravel is not only flexible but also scalable, making it suitable for both small applications and complex enterprise solutions. Its powerful tools and modular architecture allow developers to effortlessly create everything from simple blogs to fully functional eCommerce platforms. If you’re looking to get the most out of this framework, it's wise to hire dedicated Laravel developers who can efficiently build your project while leveraging Laravel's full potential.
Now, let's understand the essential steps to build a Laravel application.
Step-by-step guide for creating useful Laravel apps
Here are the detailed steps to create web app using laravel for building your first project:
1: Setting Up Your Environment
Set up your development environment before you create web app using laravel.
Here's what it takes:
- PHP: Laravel runs best with PHP 7.3.
- Composer: This tool manages Laravel packages, dependencies, and other tools.
- Web server: Use Apache or Nginx as your web server.
- Database: Laravel is commonly used with MySQL, SQLite, or PostgreSQL.
Before proceeding, ensure that your computer meets these requirements.
2: Installing Laravel
Once you've set up the environment, Install Laravel. It's easy with Composer. Just run a few commands from your terminal.
Now, you can access all of the framework's resources and core files.
3: Create your first Laravel project
It's now time to create your first Laravel project. This is the first step in transforming your ideas into an actual web application.
This step involves configuring the project and setting up its structure so you can start fresh. It will also allow you to initialize Laravel and become familiar with the directory structure.
Initializing Your Project
Developers usually start by creating a folder for their project files. Laravel will be initialized in this folder, and all files and directories required to run your app will be created.
This ensures that your project will be well-structured and easy to manage as it develops. Laravel comes with a default structure and configuration that are pre-loaded to ensure best practices, allowing even new developers to have a smooth development process.
Understanding the Laravel Directory structure
You'll see that several vital directories and files have been generated automatically after initializing your Laravel Project. Take a look at the most important folders.
App Folder
The core logic of your application is located here. You'll see subfolders such as HTTP and Models in the App folder. For example, the HTTP folder contains middleware and controllers that manage functionality and handle requests. You define your application's data structure and relationships in the Models folder. Providers contain service providers to bootstrap your app.
Routes Folder
Laravel's route system lets you define how your users interact with the application by using specific URLs. You'll find web.php and api.php in the Routes folder.
The web.php handler manages routes that return web pages, while api.php handles API routes that return data (JSON). Routes connect your app's URL to the controllers or views that determine what users will see when visiting different pages.
Views Folder
This folder is used to manage your app's user interface and contains Blade templates, which are HTML files enhanced by Laravel's Blade template engine.
Blade's engine allows you to easily insert dynamic content, like data from a database or conditional statements, into your views. The Blade templates are located in the resources/views folder. This template system allows you to maintain a clear separation between logic and presentation.
Config Folder
Config contains all configuration files related to your Laravel application. You can change settings here for databases, mail services, and third-party integrations. This is where you will often go to customize your app.
Public Folder
The public folder is where you store your assets, such as CSS code, JavaScript, and images. Laravel will serve these assets to users when they access your application directly from the public directory. This folder also contains your index.php, which is the entry point for your application.
4: Setting up or configuring a database connection
A database is essential to any web application. Laravel makes database configuration simple. You can configure your database settings within a file. You can specify the database name, username, and password. Laravel offers a variety of databases. Choose the one that best suits your project requirements.
5: Create a Route
In Laravel, routes connect URLs with specific actions within your application. They can be thought of as a road map for your app's functionality. If you want your users to visit a certain page after visiting a URL, a route will help direct them. Routes are defined in the routes/web.php files.
6: Build Your First Controller
The controllers are the brains of the operation. The controllers are responsible for resolving requests and returning answers. Controllers in Laravel are found under the app/Http/Controllers folder. You can create controllers for different app parts, such as user management and product listings. This will help you keep your code manageable and organized.
7: Designing Views
The designing views are the interfaces your users see when using your app. They can be HTML files or have dynamic content, such as data from a database.
Laravel handles views using a template engine called Blade. Blade lets you insert variables and conditional logic and loops right into your HTML, making it easier to create complex user interfaces.
8: Working With Models
Models are the data in your app that interacts with the database. They are typically located in Laravel's app/Models directory. Each model corresponds to a database table and includes methods for querying the data.
If you have a user model, for example, it will automatically interact with the Users table in your database. Laravel simplifies this operation with Eloquent, its ORM (Object Relational Mapping) system.
9: Implementing Authentication
Laravel comes with tools that help you implement authentication. Moreover, Laravel can handle all your user registration, login, and password reset needs. You can set up authentication views and routes quickly with a few configurations. This will save you time.
10: Test Your Application
Building any application requires testing. Laravel offers tools for testing your routes, controllers, and even your application's features. You can test your app to ensure it works before you launch it.
11: Deploying Your Laravel App
It is now time to deploy your app onto a server so users can use it. Laravel provides various deployment options, including shared hosting accounts through Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Heroku cloud platforms. Choose the option that best meets your project's requirements and budget.
Are you still confused? Don't be.
AIS Technolabs can help you build your Laravel project
Creating useful Laravel apps can be challenging, particularly if you're new to web development. At AIS Technolabs, our developers specialize in custom Laravel apps tailored to each business need. We create scalable and efficient applications as per your project requirements.
Here is how we can help you:
Expert Laravel Developers
Our Laravel developers are skilled professionals with extensive expertise. We will ensure your app complies with best practices, whether that means creating a brand new web app using Laravel or improving an existing one.
Our specialists can guide and advise as needed, whether creating an entirely new web app using Laravel or expanding an existing one.
Custom Solutions
Because each business is different, we create customized solutions tailored specifically to its requirements. Utilizing Laravel technology, our experts create high-performance web apps across industries - from eCommerce platforms to enterprise apps.
Scalability and Performance
Our Laravel apps, from simple to more complicated solutions, are tailored to accommodate your business's growth. We ensure optimal performance and scalability across your platform.
End-to-End Services
From initial conception to post-launch assistance, AIS Technolabs offers comprehensive services for Laravel applications, including user experience design (UXD), database administration, and API integration. We ensure user-friendliness while making them functionally suitable.
Want to create useful Laravel apps that boost your business?
Conclusion
Partnering with AIS Technolabs gives you access to a team of dedicated professionals working closely to achieve your vision. Our expertise will enable you to meet all your goals, whether upgrading or creating useful Laravel apps.
FAQs
Laravel is an open-source PHP framework designed to speed up web app development by streamlining routing, authentication, and caching processes.
Laravel offers an accessible learning path and a beginner-friendly interface, making it simple for newcomers.
Laravel is designed for novice PHP programmers. However, anyone with no prior PHP programming knowledge is welcome to start using it immediately.
Laravel supports multiple databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite—pick the one that best suits your project needs!
Absolutely! Laravel can be used to build both small and large application development.
James Johnson
James Johnson is a seasoned content writer for a top-tier technical blog, where he delves into the intricacies of cutting-edge technologies. With a flair for simplifying complex concepts, he engages readers with informative and accessible content. His expertise lies in translating technical jargon into captivating narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.