- How do I install desarrolla2/timer in a Laravel project?
- Run `composer require desarrolla2/timer` to install the package. No additional configuration is needed—it’s dependency-free and works with PHP 8.0+. Bind it to Laravel’s container if using dependency injection, e.g., `Timer::start('my_timer');` in your code.
- Can I use this timer to measure Laravel API request latency?
- Yes, it’s perfect for API profiling. Add a middleware to start/stop timers around request handling, then log or display the elapsed time. Example: `Timer::start('api_request');` in `HandleIncomingRequest` middleware, then `Timer::stop('api_request')` in `Terminate` middleware.
- Does desarrolla2/timer support multiple concurrent timers?
- Yes, you can create and track multiple named timers simultaneously. Use `Timer::start('timer_name')` and `Timer::lap('timer_name')` to record intermediate checkpoints. Each timer operates independently, making it ideal for profiling different code sections in parallel.
- Will this work in Laravel 10+ with async features like fibers?
- Currently, the package focuses on synchronous timing. While it works in Laravel 10+, it doesn’t natively support async contexts like fibers or Promises. For async use cases, consider pairing it with Laravel’s `Synchronizer` or a custom wrapper for fiber-aware timing.
- How accurate is the timing for micro-optimizations (e.g., <1ms)?
- Timing relies on PHP’s `microtime(true)`, which offers microsecond precision. However, system load or PHP’s internal overhead may introduce slight inaccuracies. For sub-millisecond granularity, test in your environment—it’s generally reliable for most profiling needs but not for ultra-high-frequency benchmarks.
- Can I log timer results to Laravel’s logging system?
- Absolutely. After stopping a timer, use `Timer::getElapsedTime('timer_name')` to retrieve milliseconds or seconds, then log it via Laravel’s `Log::info()` or `Log::debug()`. Example: `Log::debug('Timer took ' . Timer::getElapsedTime('db_query') . 'ms');`
- Is this package suitable for production monitoring?
- Yes, but with caveats. Timers are in-memory, so they reset per request. For production observability, combine it with Laravel’s logging or monitoring tools (e.g., Datadog, Prometheus). Avoid relying on timers for cross-request metrics—use Redis or a database for persistence if needed.
- How do I test timer functionality in unit tests?
- Mock the `Timer` class or use dependency injection to replace it with a test double. For example, in PHPUnit, stub `Timer::start()` and `Timer::stop()` to return predefined elapsed times. Verify logic branches based on timer values without hitting real delays.
- What are the alternatives to desarrolla2/timer in Laravel?
- For Laravel, consider Symfony’s `Stopwatch` component (more feature-rich, supports events) or Laravel’s built-in `Benchmark` facade (simpler but less flexible). For PHP-only solutions, `Symfony/Stopwatch` or `Spatie/Stopwatch` are robust alternatives. Choose based on needs: lightweight (this package) vs. advanced features.
- Does this package work with Laravel queues or background jobs?
- Yes, integrate timers into job execution by calling `Timer::start()` before dispatching a job and `Timer::stop()` in the job’s `handle()` method. For queue workers (e.g., Horizon), ensure timers are scoped to the job instance—avoid global timers that might conflict across workers.