Upgrading from Laravel 11 to Laravel 12: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laravel continues to be a leading PHP framework, and with the release of Laravel 12, developers have access to even more powerful features and optimizations. If you’re currently using Laravel 11 and want to upgrade to Laravel 12, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re upgrading a small project or a large-scale application, these steps will help ensure a smooth transition.

Why Upgrade to Laravel 12?

Before diving into the upgrade process, let’s quickly recap why upgrading to Laravel 12 is worth it:

• Native PHP 8.3 Support: Take advantage of the latest PHP features and performance improvements.
• Revamped Artisan CLI: Enjoy a more intuitive and powerful command-line interface.
• Livewire 3 Integration: Build dynamic, reactive interfaces with ease.
• Improved Testing Tools: Benefit from parallel testing and enhanced Pest PHP support.
• Simplified Configuration: Reduce the complexity of configuration files.

Step 1: Review the Laravel 12 Upgrade Guide

The official Laravel documentation provides a detailed upgrade guide for each release. Start by reviewing the Laravel 12 upgrade guide to understand the breaking changes and new features.

Step 2: Check System Requirements

Ensure your server environment meets the requirements for Laravel 12:

• PHP 8.3 or higher
• Composer 2.5 or higher
• Supported database drivers (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server)

Step 3: Backup Your Application

Before making any changes, create a full backup of your application, including:

• Database
• Application files
• Environment variables (.env file)
• Any custom configurations

Step 4: Update Dependencies

Update your composer.json file to reflect the new Laravel 12 requirements. Change the laravel/framework dependency to ^12.0:

": {
    "php": "^8.3",
    "laravel/framework": "^12.0"
}        

Run the following command to update your dependencies:

composer update        

Step 5: Update Configuration Files

Laravel 12 simplifies configuration, but you may need to review and update your existing configuration files. Pay special attention to:

• config/app.php
• config/database.php
• config/cache.php

Remove any deprecated configuration options and ensure your settings align with Laravel 12’s new defaults.

Step 6: Update Middleware and Routes

Check your middleware and routes for any deprecated methods or syntax. Laravel 12 may introduce changes to how middleware is handled or how routes are defined.

Step 7: Test Your Application

After upgrading, thoroughly test your application to ensure everything works as expected. Focus on:

• Core functionality
• Database interactions
• API endpoints
• Third-party integrations

Use Laravel’s built-in testing tools, including PHPUnit and Pest, to automate your tests.

Step 8: Address Deprecations and Breaking Changes

Laravel 12 may deprecate certain features or introduce breaking changes. Review the upgrade guide and address any issues flagged during testing. Common areas to check include:

• Eloquent ORM methods
• Blade templates
• Artisan commands

Step 9: Optimize for New Features

Once your application is stable, take advantage of Laravel 12’s new features:

• Livewire 3: Integrate dynamic, reactive components into your application.
• Parallel Testing: Speed up your test suite by running tests in parallel.
• Revamped Artisan CLI: Explore new commands and improved workflows.

Step 10: Deploy Your Upgraded Application

After testing and optimization, deploy your upgraded application to your production environment. Monitor for any issues and be prepared to roll back if necessary.

Conclusion

Upgrading from Laravel 11 to Laravel 12 is a worthwhile investment that unlocks new features, improved performance, and a better developer experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade process. Happy coding! ??