Laravel 12 vs. Laravel 11: Differences That You Need To Know

Introduction

Laravel is one of the most popular PHP frameworks, and one of the main reasons for this is that it consistently releases updates. These updates bring much-needed new features and tools.

With the release of version 12, Laravel has once again pushed the limits to incorporate more innovative features and beef up security.

It promises to deliver high-performing websites. Who better to trust for your development needs than an official Laravel Partner like Acquaint Softtech?

The obvious question is: what new features does Laravel bring to version 12?

Let dive in to the plethora of change that Laravel 12 brings for developing better and bigger applications irrespective of the industry!

This article provides highlights the key differences between Laravel 12 and Laravel 11 to showcase the benefits of choosing the new Laravel version.

Laravel Performance

Eloquent ORM Update: 

Laravel has spent considerable effort updating Eloquent ORM to reduce the need to create custom queries. The new advanced features help streamline database interactions and improve performance. 

Laravel 11 query:

$author = User::with(['posts' => function ($query) {

    $query->where('status', 'published');

}])->get();

Laravel 12 query: 

$author = User::with(['posts' => function ($query) {

    $query->where('status', 'published');

}])->get();

OR define a relationship scope:

public function publishedPosts()

{

    return $this->hasMany(Post::class)->where('status', 'published');

}

$author->publishedPosts;

Query Builder Upgrade: 

The new version enhances the query performance and reduces database latency in the process. This has been made possible with new methods to simplify the query development process. One such Laravel 12 feature is the nestedWhere feature. 

Laravel 11:

$author = DB::table('users')

    ->where('status', 'active')

    ->where(function ($query) {

        $query->where('experience', '>', 5)

              ->orWhere('city', 'York');

    })->get();

Laravel 12: 

$users = DB::table('users')

    ->where('status', 'active')

    ->where(function ($query) {

        $query->where('experience', '>', 5)

              ->orWhere('city', 'York');

    })

    ->get();

Efficient Caching:

Laravel 12 helps reduce the server load with the advanced caching feature to ensure quicker response times. 

Real-World Use Case: 

Laravel 12 will deliver higher customer satisfaction with a swift checkout experience than Laravel 11, which does not include improved database query performance updates.

Security

Strong Authentication: There has been a big improvement in the validation methods, along with more advanced encryption protocols. It also offers built-in support for secure password policies.

Laravel 11:

$request->validate([

    'password' => 'required|min:10',

]);

Laravel 12:

$request->validate([

    'password' => ['required', 'min:10', Password::min(10)->letters()->mixedCase()->numbers()],

]);

API Token Management: There are stricter API authentication protocols and big updates to Laravel Sanctum.

Content Security Policy: XSS attacks are now prevented more effectively. 

Laravel 12 has stepped up the security with additional layers of protection making it appealing to more industries especially fintech and healthcare.

Developer Experience

• New Artisan Commands: Laravel 12 has enhanced the Artisan commands, simplifying database migration, task automation, and debugging. The Laravel CLI is now more intuitive and smarter as a result of the update, which also includes automating repetitive tasks. 

• Zero Downtime Deployment: It supports zero-downtime deployments with enhanced migration management.

• Native Debugging Tools: Unlike traditional debugging methods based on dumps and external tools, Laravel 12 now offers real-time recommendations for fixes. This is an AI-powered debugging assistant that provides deeper insights into application errors.

• Real-World Use Case: An SaaS firm can benefit from streamlining deployment and faster development of high-quality solutions. 

API Development

• API Versioning: Laravel 12 eliminates manual API version management with a more simplified version control for the APIs. This provides greater backward comparability. 

• GraphQL Support: The built-in support for GraphQL queries reduces API latency and improves flexibility. Laravel 12 reduces the payload size and improves response times by fetching only the data you need.

• Advanced Rate Limiting: Provides granular control over API request throttling, enhancing API security.

Unlike Laravel 11, Laravel 12 offers greater flexibility for modern microservices architectures.

Database Management

• Dynamic Database Connections: Simplifies management of Multi-tenant databases with dynamic connections.

• Improved Index Management: Laravel 12 introduces faster query processing with its support for native database indexes.

Real-World Use Case: A logistics company managing multiple vendors can leverage Laravel 12’s dynamic connections for seamless multi-tenant support.

Frontend and Full-Stack Support

• Modernized Frontend: Laravel 12 seamlessly integrates with Vite and Tailwind CSS. This is a big boon for full-stack developers since it helps save configuration time.

• Native Support for Inertia.js: Allows developers to build modern SPAs without leaving Laravel’s ecosystem.

• React Starter Kit: It integrates with React 18+ and makes components more accessible, simplifying the configuration process.

• Vue Starter Kit: Laravel has also simplified integration with Vue.

• Livewire Starter Kit: This Laravel 12 update targets those who prefer Blade and Livewire for developing full-stack apps.

• Improved Blade Components: The Blade templates have also received a big update, making them more modular and reusable.

In comparison with Laravel 11, Laravel 12's integration is more seamless and improves developer productivity.

Real-Time Event Broadcasting

• WebSocket Support: Laravel 12 brings faster real-time communication with the upgraded Laravel Echo.

• Event Caching: reduced latency for real-time updates.

• Optimized Broadcasting: Efficient broadcasting for large-scale applications.

Real-World Use Case: There is a big improvement in real-time broadcasting while going from version 11 to 12. This can benefit many types of applications, like a financial trading platform for instant updates. 

DevOps Integration

Laravel 12 offers greater support for the CI/CD pipelines thus modernizing the Devops integration. The new tools integrate naively thus minimizing downtime and providing a smoother deployment process. It allows automation of the deployment process that includes cache clearing, migration and asset complication.

This update is a big improvement over Laravel 11 and helps save time and reduce human errors. 

Optional Bonus: Add Laravel 12 Code Snippet for Frontend Starter Kit Example

Example: Creating a New Laravel 12 Project With React Starter Kit

laravel new my-app

cd my-app

php artisan starter-kit:react

npm install && npm run dev

Build Your Application With Laravel 12

Are you considering building a new application for your business?

Laravel 12 is the perfect choice to build high-performing, secure, and feature-rich solutions. With the update, you will have a bigger set of tools and resources available to build your application, irrespective of whether you are developing an eCommerce platform, SaaS application, or content management system (CMS). 

Choosing the right Laravel development partner is crucial for the success of your project. Acquaint Softtech specializes in building robust, scalable, and secure web applications using the latest Laravel advancements. When you choose Acquaint Softtech, you get:

• An Official Laravel Partner with a highly skilled development team.

• Custom solutions like eCommerce platform and enterprise apps as per your business needs. 

• End-to-End Development - from initial planning to deployment.

• Develop your product strategy.

• UI/UX design for custom solutions.

• Dedicated QA team for flawless applications.

• Skilled in project management with the ability to implement DevOps and Agile methodologies.

Ready to build your next-gen application?

Leverage the advanced features, improved performance, and enhanced security of Laravel 12. Partner with expert Laravel developers and bring your vision to life!

Contact Us Today

Conclusion

Laravel 12 introduces numerous enhancements over Laravel 11. The updates make it highly appealing for businesses looking to build scalable applications or optimize an existing one. The Laravel 12 upgrade offers superior performance and security and optimizes the overall development process.

Laravel has succeeded in addressing the main pain points with the version, making it a strategic move for businesses to upgrade. Hire Laravel developers from Acquaint Softtech to ensure you have expert guidance and top-tier development support.

At the end of the day, Laravel provides the necessary tools to build a modern, higher-performing web application to ensure your business stays competitive in today's digital landscape. Pick the best Laravel development company for Laravel projects.

What are the differences between Laravel 12 and Laravel 11?

Laravel 12 brings performance improvements, enhanced security features, streamlined debugging tools. It has better support for modern PHP versions compared to Laravel 11. Some of the other updates are that to routing, Eloquent ORM, and the Artisan console.

Is it worth upgrading from Laravel 11 to Laravel 12?

Yes, upgrading to Laravel 12 is recommended if you want to take advantage of its improved performance, security updates, and new developer-friendly features.

Does Laravel 12 offer better performance than Laravel 11?

Yes, Laravel 12 has enhanced caching mechanisms, optimized query handling, and reduced memory usage. This equates to faster application performance compared to Laravel 11.

What new features does Laravel 12 offer?

Laravel 12 offers advanced query builders, improved job batching, enhanced Eloquent performance, new error-handling mechanisms, and improved support for cloud-based deployments.