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Default Laravel Package
php-standard-library/default
Provides a DefaultInterface for PHP classes to expose standardized “default” instances. Helps ensure consistent default construction across libraries and apps with a simple, shared contract.
DefaultInterface for classes to provide standardized default instances
Frequently asked questions about Default
- How does DefaultInterface improve Laravel’s service container or dependency injection?
- DefaultInterface formalizes default object creation, making it compatible with Laravel’s DI system. You can bind defaults statically (e.g., `User::getDefault()`) or dynamically via the container (e.g., `$this->app->bind('default-user', fn() => User::getDefault())`). This ensures predictable defaults in services, jobs, or facades without manual instantiation.
- Can I use this package with Laravel 10+ and PHP 8.1+ for better type safety?
- Yes, the package leverages modern PHP features like static return types in `DefaultInterface`, which works seamlessly with Laravel 10+. This improves type safety and IDE autocompletion (e.g., PHPStorm) while maintaining backward compatibility with older Laravel versions.
- Will implementing DefaultInterface slow down my application if defaults are heavy (e.g., database queries)?
- Only if not optimized. Avoid eager initialization in `boot()`—use Laravel’s container to lazy-load defaults (e.g., bind a closure to the container). For example, `Cache::rememberForever()` can cache defaults to prevent redundant initialization.
- How does this package help with API response consistency in Laravel?
- DefaultInterface enforces standardized defaults for API responses (e.g., `DefaultResponse` for errors). This reduces versioning friction in microservices or modular apps by ensuring all layers return predictable structures, like empty collections or fallback data.
- Is this package suitable for domain models like User or Order, or just simple classes?
- It’s ideal for domain models where defaults must be consistent (e.g., `User::getDefault()` returning a `User` with placeholder data). For primitives (e.g., `[]` or `null`), the package adds unnecessary overhead, but it shines in complex objects like configurations or responses.
- How do I migrate existing Laravel tests to use DefaultInterface instead of manual mocks?
- Replace `createMock(User::class)` with `User::getDefault()` in tests. This reduces boilerplate and improves reliability by using the same default logic as production. For example, `User::getDefault()` ensures tests and live code share the same baseline.
- Does this package work with Laravel’s facades (e.g., Cache, Mail) for default values?
- Yes, facades can leverage `DefaultInterface` for defaults. For example, `Cache::rememberForever('key', fn() => MyModel::getDefault())` ensures consistent cached defaults. The package doesn’t replace facades but integrates cleanly with their existing patterns.
- What are the risks of overusing DefaultInterface in every class?
- Overuse can lead to unnecessary complexity for simple defaults (e.g., `return []`). Focus on classes where defaults are critical for consistency, like API responses, domain models, or shared services. Avoid it for trivial cases where manual defaults suffice.
- Can I configure defaults dynamically (e.g., via environment variables or Laravel config) instead of hardcoding them?
- Yes, defaults can be configured dynamically. Use Laravel’s bindings to override `getDefault()` behavior (e.g., `$this->app->bind('default-user', fn() => User::fromConfig())`). This keeps defaults flexible while maintaining the `DefaultInterface` contract.
- Are there alternatives to DefaultInterface for Laravel defaults, like custom traits or Laravel’s built-in bindings?
- Laravel’s service container bindings (e.g., `App::bind()`) are sufficient for simple cases, but they lack a standardized contract. Traits can work but may lead to code duplication. `DefaultInterface` provides a shared, testable contract that’s easier to enforce across teams and tools like PHPStan.
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