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Framework Laravel Package
laravel-zero/framework
Laravel Zero is an unofficial, Laravel-based micro-framework for building fast, elegant console apps. Includes optional Eloquent/logging, interactive menus, desktop notifications, scheduler, standalone compiler, and Collision-powered error reporting.
The Laravel Zero Framework.
Frequently asked questions about Framework
- What’s the difference between Laravel Zero and a full Laravel installation for CLI tools?
- Laravel Zero is a micro-framework optimized for console apps, stripping out web-specific features (like routing or Blade) while retaining Laravel’s core components—Eloquent, Logging, Validation, and more. It’s ~50% smaller than Laravel and designed for CLI-first workflows, with built-in PHAR compilation for standalone binaries.
- Can I use Eloquent in Laravel Zero for database operations?
- Yes, Eloquent is optionally included via Composer. It’s the same ORM as Laravel, so you can query databases directly from your CLI tools. However, enable it only if needed—it adds runtime overhead. For lightweight tools, consider using Laravel Zero’s Query Builder instead.
- How do I deploy a Laravel Zero app as a self-contained binary (PHAR)?
- Use the built-in `phar` command: run `php artisan phar` in your project root. This generates a standalone `.phar` file with all dependencies embedded. Test it in production first—PHARs can’t hot-reload, so debugging requires rebuilding. For Docker, mount the PHAR as the entrypoint.
- What Laravel versions does Laravel Zero support, and how often does it update?
- Laravel Zero follows Laravel’s release cycle (e.g., v12.x). Check the [GitHub releases](https://github.com/laravel-zero/framework/releases) for version-specific notes. Breaking changes may occur with major Laravel updates (e.g., PHP 8.5+ fixes in v12.0.5), so test upgrades thoroughly. Minor updates typically align with Laravel’s patches.
- Is Laravel Zero suitable for production-grade CLI tools, or just prototypes?
- It’s production-ready for CLI tools. Features like the scheduler, Collision error reporting, and PHAR compilation are designed for real-world use. However, evaluate optional dependencies (e.g., Eloquent) for your tool’s needs—some may bloat runtime. Teams at Laravel Zero’s core (e.g., Laravel itself) use it for internal tools.
- How does Laravel Zero handle interactive menus or user prompts compared to Symfony Console?
- Laravel Zero includes built-in support for interactive menus and prompts (via `laravel-zero/prompts`), offering a more Laravel-like API than Symfony’s `Symfony/Console`. It’s easier to integrate with Laravel’s validation or logging if your team uses those. For simple CLI tools, Symfony Console’s `QuestionHelper` might suffice, but Laravel Zero’s prompts are more feature-rich out of the box.
- Can I share models or config between a Laravel web app and a Laravel Zero CLI tool?
- Yes, reuse models, config, or services via shared Composer packages or a monorepo. Both use the same Laravel components (e.g., `illuminate/support`), so authentication, validation, or database logic can be shared seamlessly. Just ensure your CLI tool’s `config/` or `app/` directories are properly linked or published.
- What are the performance implications of using Eloquent in a CLI tool?
- Eloquent adds ~1–2MB to your PHAR and requires bootstrapping Laravel’s service container, which can slow cold starts. For tools processing large datasets, consider raw Query Builder or PDO. Benchmark your tool’s startup time—if it’s critical, avoid Eloquent or use a lazy-loading approach (e.g., load models only when needed).
- How does Laravel Zero’s scheduler compare to cron jobs or Symfony’s Console commands?
- Laravel Zero’s scheduler uses Laravel’s `schedule:run` command, so it’s compatible with Laravel’s `schedule:` syntax (e.g., `@hourly`). Unlike cron, it runs within PHP, so you can reuse Laravel’s service container, logging, and error handling. For simple tasks, cron may suffice, but Laravel Zero’s scheduler is better for tools needing shared logic with web apps.
- Are there alternatives to Laravel Zero for CLI tools, and when should I choose them?
- Alternatives include Symfony Console (lightweight, no Laravel dependencies), Pest CLI (for testing), or custom solutions with PHP’s built-in `getopt()`. Choose Laravel Zero if you need Eloquent, Laravel’s validation, or PHAR compilation. Use Symfony Console for minimalist tools or if your team avoids Laravel. For testing-focused tools, Pest CLI is more specialized.
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