Part #02 - Folder Structure

Introduction to Laravel Framework

Overview of Laravel Installation

• The speaker introduces the session focused on installing the Laravel framework and exploring its components.

• Viewers are directed to the official Laravel website for updates, including new packages and features.

Documentation and Release Notes

• Emphasis is placed on the clarity of the official documentation, which is organized under clear headings for easy navigation.

• The speaker highlights a release notes table that outlines version history, PHP compatibility, and security updates.

Versioning Insights

• Discussion about current version 8.4 of PHP being required for Laravel's latest features; mentions ongoing support timelines for bug fixes and security patches.

• Clarification on future releases, indicating that Laravel 12 is expected in approximately two years.

Setting Up a New Project

Creating a New Application

• The speaker discusses prerequisites for creating a new Laravel application using Composer.

• Instructions are provided on navigating to the desired directory before executing commands to create a new project.

Using Composer Commands

• Explanation of how to use Composer globally to install packages necessary for setting up a new Laravel application.

• Comparison between old methods (using composer create-project) versus newer approaches (laravel new), emphasizing ease of use with the latter.

Project Structure in Laravel

Understanding Directory Layout

• Upon creating a new project named "Start," an overview of default directories within the project structure is provided.

• The speaker explains that while there may seem like many folders, they serve specific purposes and do not require frequent modification by developers.

Key Directories Explained

• Focus on the 'app' directory as it contains most code written by developers; three subdirectories are highlighted: HTTP, Models, and Providers.

Controllers and Models

• Introduction to controllers located in 'app/Http/Controllers,' explaining their role in handling requests within applications.

Understanding Application Structure in Laravel

Service Providers and Bootstrap

• The concept of a service provider is introduced, which allows for system-wide definitions and modifications. It includes components like HTTP, models, and bootstrap.

• The term "bootstrap" refers to the initial setup processes that occur when an application starts. This includes executing certain functions defined within the application files.

Configuration Files

• The configuration folder is essential for application settings but is not frequently modified. However, it becomes necessary at times for specific adjustments.

• For example, modifying email sending configurations can be done through a dedicated PHP file (mail.php), indicating the importance of external libraries or packages.

Database Management

• The database structure consists of three main folders: factories, migrations, and seeders. While all are used together, migrations are highlighted as the most critical component.

• Factories serve as templates for generating data entries in bulk during testing or development phases.

Entry Points and Public Directory

• The entry point for any Laravel application is typically found in the public directory (index.php). This file serves as the starting point for routing requests to appropriate controllers.

Resource Management

• Resources such as CSS and JavaScript files are stored in designated directories but can also be processed using tools provided by Laravel to optimize loading times.

Routing System

• Routing involves defining how URLs correspond to specific actions within the application. The primary routing file (web.php) will be discussed further in upcoming sessions.

Storage Mechanism

• Storage plays a crucial role in caching assets like CSS and JS files to enhance website performance by reducing load times.

Error Handling and Logging

• Laravel provides mechanisms for logging errors through its storage system, allowing developers to track issues effectively without frequent direct interaction with these logs.

Package Management with Composer

• Composer manages dependencies within Laravel applications. It ensures that all required libraries are included correctly via a JSON configuration file (composer.json).

Environment Variables

• Environment variables are managed through an .env file that contains sensitive information like API keys or database credentials; this file should not be shared publicly on platforms like GitHub.

Understanding PHP Artisan Commands

Overview of Frontend and Backend Integration

• The discussion begins with the relationship between CSS files in frontend development and how they connect to backend processes, particularly through tools like PHP Artisan.

• Emphasis is placed on understanding the importance of commands within the PHP environment, specifically when launching applications.

Executing PHP Code

• The speaker explains how to execute PHP code using specific commands, such as php post.php, highlighting the necessity of utilizing libraries effectively.

• A demonstration is provided on accessing available commands by simply typing php artisan, which reveals a list of all available options for managing applications.

Starting a Local Server

• Instructions are given on starting a local server using php artisan serve, which provides a domain and port (default is 8000), allowing users to view their application in a browser.