Laravel Packages

Laravel Packages

Package development: extracting reusable patterns for use across projects.

Related guides:

• package-extraction.md - Extracting code into packages
• DTOs - Using Spatie Laravel Data
• Models - Using Spatie Model States and Query Builder

When to Extract

Extract to package when:

1. Pattern used in 3+ projects
2. Code is stable and well-tested
3. Pattern has clear boundaries
4. Maintenance cost justified

→ Complete extraction guide: package-extraction.md

Package Structure

my-package/
├── src/
│   ├── PackageServiceProvider.php
│   ├── Actions/
│   ├── DTOs/
│   └── ...
├── tests/
├── composer.json
└── README.md

Use semantic versioning. Test packages independently. Document clearly.

Core Packages (Always)

Spatie Laravel Data

composer require spatie/laravel-data

• DTOs with casting, validation, transformers
• Test factory support

Spatie Model States

composer require spatie/laravel-model-states

• State machine pattern
• State transitions with dedicated classes

Spatie Query Builder

composer require spatie/laravel-query-builder

• Filter, sort, include relations via query strings
• API-friendly querying

Saloon

composer require saloonphp/saloon saloonphp/laravel-plugin

• Elegant API client builder
• Testable external service integrations

Pest

composer require pestphp/pest pestphp/pest-plugin-laravel --dev

• Expressive testing framework
• Architecture tests

Optional Packages

Laravel Sanctum

composer require laravel/sanctum

When: API authentication needed

Stancl Tenancy

composer require stancl/tenancy

When: Multi-tenant application

Spatie Settings

composer require spatie/laravel-settings

When: Application-level settings needed

Installation Commands

Full Install

composer require \
  spatie/laravel-data \
  spatie/laravel-model-states \
  spatie/laravel-query-builder \
  saloonphp/saloon \
  saloonphp/laravel-plugin

composer require \
  pestphp/pest \
  pestphp/pest-plugin-laravel \
  --dev

./vendor/bin/pest --init

Minimal Install

composer require spatie/laravel-data
composer require pestphp/pest pestphp/pest-plugin-laravel --dev
./vendor/bin/pest --init