Last Updated: December 26th, 2023
We are stepping into the year 2024 and there is a wide gamut of technological advancements in line for us. With AI gradually taking over the digital world, the need for world-class apps and websites increases. And to build such apps, you need to be very thoughtful while choosing the right framework.
Fortunately, Laravel comes packed with a huge range of benefits, tools, and packages that make it the best PHP framework. From writing demonstrative syntax to simplifying the database, Laravel helps developers get a lot done.
Here, we will discuss the best Laravel tools and packages that will make app optimization a breeze in 2024. But first, let us look into some of the many benefits offered by this competent framework.
The Benefits of Using Laravel
1) The Flexibility of App Size
Laravel is one of the most flexible app development frameworks. With Laravel, you can enjoy a great deal of flexibility regarding the app’s size. With PHP being the language of this framework, it is the best match for simple SPAs and apps with complex structures.
The advanced caching methods help developers create apps in Laravel according to business needs that are easily scalable too.
2) Email Integration
Email integration is a must-have feature in the frameworks of today. Customers cannot stand signing up on a new app and not getting an email for the same. It not only meddles with their experience but also questions the reliability of the app.
Emails are a must to notify users about their actions so they can keep track of their interaction with the app. There are libraries like Swiftmailer, that help with easy API configurations for the email accounts of users. Also, plenty of drivers help Laravel be the best at email integration like SparkPost, Amazon SES, Mandrill, etc.
3) Authentication
In many cases, web application users need role-based access. To make that available, developers need to come up with a failsafe authentication system. Laravel helps users configure their roles. It is done when they provide permissions to resources and apply effective authorization logic.
Many famous tools and packages add to the quality of the authentication and authorization features. They include Laravel Jetstream, Laravel Breeze, Rinvex, Socialite, etc. We will discuss one of these below.
4) URL Routing
With URL routing, the developers ensure that the contents of a URL are displayed on the current webpage only. Thus, it does not redirect the link to a different window. In Laravel, URL routing configuration is easily achieved by the developers.
So, the users of the web app don’t have to wait for pages to load. It is possible with the built-in file configuration in Laravel which loads automatically with the framework. It helps the framework easily define identifiable and accessible routes.
5) Message Queuing
Generally, when users request a web server, it will first execute the work order and then respond to the request. It is how things go in a general synchronous workflow. Here, the server runs the requests in the background and while it is being processed, the user waits for the response.
However, the case is different from Laravel. The framework has a built-in message queue system. This system comes with a simple API that helps the framework run the tasks in the background. So, users don’t have to stop and wait.
Now that we have talked about the benefits of Laravel as a web application framework, let us have a look at the tools and packages it has that you can use in 2024.
Laravel Tools and Packages You Need to Use
1) Email Tools and Packages
For smooth email integration of your application, there are multiple tools you can use. Here are some of them:
● MailGun
MailGun is a package that helps with email delivery in your Laravel App. Especially used for sending transactional emails. It promises safe and secure email delivery services. You can also track users who click on the links you have sent via email. With MailGun, you can send around 10,000 free emails each month. The package is also used for email validation and inbox placement.
● MailTrap
MailTrap is a service that traps emails. It means the emails are not sent to the recipient. It is used for testing the email campaigns before actually sending them to the users. It also works as a placebo SMTP server that traps test emails and then displays them in virtual email boxes. You can then debug your emails before sending them to the real world. MailTrap is available for free but also has paid plans. You can use the free version where you can monthly trap about 500 emails.
● SendGrid
SendGrid is a fast and efficient Laravel package from Twilio that you can use for sending emails. Like MailGun, this package also comes with tracking features. Along with telling you how many users opened your email links, it also tells how many times the link was opened. This package is effectively used for email analytics, reporting, notifications and alerts, customized branding, chat and messaging, contact management, and real-time reporting.
2) eCommerce Tools and Packages
If you have an eCommerce web app, here are the tools and packages you can rely on
● Vanilo
When you’re building Laravel eCommerce stores, Vanilo is the perfect modular package to count on. It comes with features like flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use. Compared to other Laravel eCommerce packages, this one has a light source code, which is why it offers easy integration and flexibility. It offers simplified ways to build eCommerce web apps, comes with a cart feature, and provides stability.
● Avored
A Laravel shopping cart package, Avored comes with customization properties and SEO functionalities. As the mobile-first approach widens in the app development industry, this package stands the test through its mobile-friendly and responsive layout. It offers easy customization options, product management, marketing tools, order management, and more.
● Bagisto
If you need a famous eCommerce package that helps with customization, localization, and access control, this is the one for you. Bagisto is famous for its eCommerce and user management features. Being an independent package, Bagisto does not work with a running site. So, it is best to use it for eCommerce web apps built from scratch. The code-driven package is quite famous among developers and it also helps in the faster development of eCommerce web apps.
3) Authentication, Automation, and Authorization Tools and Packages
For authentication and authorization, Laravel developers can use the below-mentioned packages and tools:
● Dusk
Laravel Dusk is a powerful package used for authentication, authorization, and browser automation. It comes with an easy-to-use testing and browser automation API. With Laravel Dusk, you can perform tests on Laravel applications from end to end. It is an expressive package and does not need Selenium and JDK to be installed on your local computer. For installation, it uses ChromeDriver and you can also use any other driver compatible with Selenium, as per your comfort.
● Breeze
For the minimal implementation of the authentication features in Laravel, Breeze is the best package. It includes email verification, password reset, login, registration, password confirmation, etc. Backed by Blade and Tailwind, Laravel Breeze helps users set views and authentication controllers on the application, which they can customize to suit their needs. With the help of a simple-looking profile page, Breeze helps users update their details including their email address, name, password, address, etc. It is a simple package maintained by the team of developers at Laravel. It provides easy authorization route management with a minimal and clean dashboard design.
So, these were the top Laravel packages you need to work on in 2024 for the best optimization of your apps. Did we miss something? Let us know!