- How do I install Inertia.js in a Laravel 10+ project?
- Run `composer require inertiajs/inertia-laravel` and then install the frontend framework of your choice (e.g., `npm install vue@next` for Vue 3). Configure Vite by adding `@inertiajs/vite` to your `vite.config.js` and update your `resources/js/app.js` to initialize Inertia. The package provides a Laravel service provider to handle the integration automatically.
- Can I use Inertia.js with Laravel’s traditional Blade templates?
- Yes, you can use a hybrid approach. Replace individual Blade views with `@inertia` directives (e.g., `@inertia('Dashboard')`) while keeping the rest of your Blade templates intact. This allows a gradual migration from Blade to Inertia components. The package supports both Blade and Inertia responses seamlessly.
- Does Inertia.js work with Laravel’s built-in authentication (e.g., Sanctum or Passport)?
- Absolutely. Inertia.js integrates natively with Laravel’s authentication systems, including Sanctum, Passport, and traditional session-based auth. Middleware like `auth` or `guest` works as expected, and you can share auth data globally using `Inertia::share()`. No additional configuration is required beyond your existing Laravel auth setup.
- What frontend frameworks does the Laravel adapter support?
- The package supports Vue 3, React 18+, Svelte 5+, and SolidJS. Each framework has its own Inertia adapter (e.g., `@inertiajs/inertia-vue3`), which you install separately via npm. The Laravel adapter acts as a bridge, so you can choose any of these frameworks without locking into one.
- How do I handle form validation and redirects with Inertia.js?
- Validation works the same way as in traditional Laravel apps. Use Laravel’s validation rules in your controller, and Inertia will automatically redirect to the client-side with errors or success messages. For example, `return redirect()->back()->withErrors($validator)` will trigger a client-side redirect with validation errors. Flash data also syncs automatically.
- Is Inertia.js suitable for SEO-heavy applications?
- Yes, Inertia.js leverages server-side rendering (SSR) via Vite, which means your pages are pre-rendered on the server for search engines while still providing a smooth SPA experience for users. This makes it ideal for content-heavy or SEO-critical applications. Ensure you configure Vite for SSR in your `vite.config.js`.
- How do I test Inertia responses in Laravel?
- The package includes Pest/PhpUnit macros to simplify testing. For example, use `Inertia::assertPage()` to verify rendered pages or `Inertia::assertLocation()` for redirects. You can also mock Inertia responses in unit tests by overriding the `Inertia::render()` method. The README provides detailed examples for testing both Vue and React components.
- What are the performance implications of using Inertia.js in production?
- Inertia.js optimizes performance by deferring props (e.g., `once()`, `defer()`) to load data on-demand, reducing initial load times. For high-traffic pages, cache Inertia responses using Laravel’s cache middleware or Redis. SSR may increase server load, so ensure your production environment (e.g., Docker with Node.js) is properly configured for Vite’s SSR build.
- Can I use Inertia.js with Laravel’s route model binding?
- Yes, route model binding works exactly as it does in traditional Laravel apps. For example, a route like `/posts/{post}` will automatically inject the `Post` model into your controller method. Inertia.js will then render the page with the bound model’s data, just like a standard Blade view.
- What alternatives exist to Inertia.js for Laravel SPAs?
- Alternatives include Laravel Livewire (for full-stack reactivity without JavaScript frameworks), API-first approaches (e.g., Laravel + Vue/React via REST/GraphQL), or full SSR frameworks like Next.js (which requires a separate Node.js setup). Inertia.js stands out by keeping your backend logic in Laravel while providing a seamless SPA experience without a full API rewrite.