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Dict Laravel Package
php-standard-library/dict
Utility functions for working with PHP associative arrays (“dicts”): create, map, filter, and transform collections while preserving keys. Lightweight helpers from PHP Standard Library for cleaner, safer array manipulation.
Functions for creating and transforming associative arrays with preserved keys
Frequently asked questions about Dict
- What is php-standard-library/dict used for in Laravel?
- Use it when you need lightweight functions to create, map, filter, merge, or update associative arrays while keeping keys intact. In Laravel it fits configuration defaults, request payload normalization, dynamic attributes, and service classes that handle key-value data. It is a thinner abstraction than Laravel Collection for simple dict operations.
- How do I install and configure php-standard-library/dict?
- Install it with Composer by running composer require php-standard-library/dict. The package is a function-based utility library, so there is no package config file or Laravel service provider described in the README. Import the functions you need and call them directly, or wrap them in your own service classes if you want container-managed dependencies.
- Does php-standard-library/dict support Laravel 10 and Laravel 11 with PHP 8.2?
- The evaluation notes PHP 8.2+ compatibility and no incompatibilities with modern Laravel. That means it can be used in Laravel applications running PHP 8.2 or newer, subject to your Laravel version’s own PHP requirement. It is framework-agnostic, so Laravel 10 and Laravel 11 projects on supported PHP versions are reasonable targets.
- How is Dict different from Laravel Collection?
- Laravel Collection is a broad, macroable, chainable collection API with many helpers and lazy collection support. Dict is a thin set of functions focused on associative arrays where preserving keys is the priority. Choose Dict for small key-value transformations and Collection when you need richer collection features.
- Does Dict preserve keys when mapping and filtering associative arrays?
- Yes, the package’s stated purpose is creating and transforming associative arrays with preserved keys. Its map and filter style helpers are designed for dicts, so string keys should remain intact through common transformations. You should still add tests for your specific callback behavior and edge cases.
- Can I use Dict for nested arrays, request payloads, and Eloquent attributes?
- Dict can help normalize request payloads and key-value attributes, but deeply nested structures may require custom recursion or additional validation. The evaluation flags nested dictionaries and serialization as testing concerns. For Eloquent attributes, convert to arrays or Dict-friendly structures at the boundary rather than assuming automatic model integration.
- How should I test php-standard-library/dict in a Laravel app?
- Write unit tests for key preservation, empty arrays, nested dictionaries, serialization, and callback edge cases. In Laravel, use PHPUnit or Pest and test the functions directly rather than relying only on feature tests. Add static analysis with PHPStan or Psalm to catch type mistakes around mixed values.
- Is php-standard-library/dict safe for production and high-traffic Laravel apps?
- The package is a lightweight layer over PHP arrays, so overhead should be negligible for most Laravel request and queue workloads. Benchmark critical paths if you replace raw array access in hot loops, and avoid unnecessary conversions at every layer. Its MIT license and small surface area make production adoption low risk after normal dependency review.
- What are the alternatives to php-standard-library/dict?
- Alternatives include native PHP arrays, Laravel Collection, Symfony OptionsResolver, and custom dictionary wrapper classes. Native arrays are fastest but less explicit; Collection is richer but heavier; OptionsResolver is focused on option validation. Dict sits between raw arrays and full collection abstractions for key-preserving associative data.
- Is php-standard-library/dict actively maintained?
- It is part of the PHP Standard Library project and is MIT-licensed, with documentation and issue tracking in the main repository. Before adopting it, check the repository’s recent releases, open issues, and PHP version support against your Laravel upgrade plan. Pin a version in Composer and include it in your routine dependency review.
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