- What is genealabs/laravel-collection-macros used for?
- It is a Laravel package that extends Laravel's Collection class with custom macros for common array and collection operations. It helps streamline data manipulation by giving you reusable convenience methods instead of repeating collection logic. Check the README for the exact macro list and examples.
- How do I install genealabs/laravel-collection-macros with Composer?
- Install it as a Composer dependency with composer require genealabs/laravel-collection-macros. Laravel package auto-discovery should register the service provider in typical applications. If auto-discovery is disabled, follow the README to register the provider manually.
- Which Laravel versions does genealabs/laravel-collection-macros support?
- Supported Laravel versions are defined by the package's Composer constraints on Packagist. Check the require section in composer.json and the README before installing in a specific Laravel app. For upgrades, verify compatibility against your target Laravel version.
- Do I need to register a service provider for laravel-collection-macros?
- In most Laravel applications, package auto-discovery registers the service provider automatically. If you disable auto-discovery or use an older setup, add the provider to your config/app.php providers array as documented. The macros will not be available until the provider has loaded.
- What collection macros are included in genealabs/laravel-collection-macros?
- The package provides a set of handy custom macros for common array and collection operations. The authoritative list and usage examples are in the repository README. Review those macros against your needs before adopting the package.
- Can I use genealabs/laravel-collection-macros outside Laravel?
- It is designed for Laravel applications and depends on Laravel's Collection class and package bootstrapping. Using it outside Laravel would require manually loading the provider and ensuring Illuminate support classes are available. For non-Laravel projects, a standalone collection library may be a better fit.
- Is genealabs/laravel-collection-macros production-ready and maintained?
- It is maintained by GeneaLabs, but you should review the repository's recent releases, commit history, and open issues before adopting it. For production, pin a tested Composer version and run your own test suite. Maintenance activity can change, so verify current status rather than assuming long-term support.
- How does laravel-collection-macros compare to Laravel's built-in collection methods?
- Laravel's Collection already includes many powerful methods, so check whether your use case is covered natively first. This package adds convenience macros for operations you might otherwise repeat. Adopting it is mainly about reducing duplication and improving readability.
- How do I test code that uses custom Laravel collection macros?
- Make sure the package service provider is loaded in your test environment, then assert the returned collections or arrays like any other collection operation. Use feature or unit tests that cover the specific macros you rely on. If you mock collections, include the macro behavior in your test expectations.
- What are alternatives to genealabs/laravel-collection-macros?
- Laravel's built-in Collection methods are the first alternative and often sufficient. Other macro packages, such as spatie/laravel-collection-macros, may provide overlapping functionality. Compare the macro lists, Laravel compatibility, and maintenance activity before choosing.