- What is php-standard-library/vec used for in Laravel?
- php-standard-library/vec provides functions for creating and transforming sequential, 0-indexed arrays, or lists, with a clean and consistent API. In Laravel it can support domain-specific immutable data pipelines, ordered transformations, and DTO-style processing. It is not a native Laravel package, so it does not include Collection facade compatibility or Eloquent integration.
- How do I install php-standard-library/vec with Composer?
- Install it as a Composer dependency using composer require php-standard-library/vec. Because it has no Laravel service provider, you use it directly in your code rather than through auto-discovery or a facade. Check the package documentation for the exact namespace and API entry points before wiring it into your application.
- Does php-standard-library/vec integrate with Laravel Collections?
- No, the package does not provide native Laravel Collection facade compatibility or Eloquent model support. It can complement Laravel Collection for domain-specific immutable operations, but using both in the same pipeline can cause confusion because methods such as map and filter overlap. Scope their usage clearly and avoid mixing Vec and Collection transformations without documented conventions.
- Can php-standard-library/vec handle associative arrays or non-sequential keys?
- Vec is designed for sequential, 0-indexed arrays and lists, so associative arrays or sparse indices are outside its intended use. The technical assessment warns that non-indexed arrays can cause runtime errors if passed in without validation. Validate input before creating a Vec, especially when data comes from request payloads or database results.
- Is php-standard-library/vec compatible with Laravel 10 or Laravel 11?
- The package is framework-agnostic and does not declare Laravel-specific integration, so compatibility depends on your PHP version and Composer constraints rather than a Laravel version constraint. Because there are no Laravel-specific tests or CI pipelines noted, validate it in your target Laravel 10 or 11 application before adopting it broadly. A small pilot test is the safest way to confirm fit.
- How do I test Vec transformations in a Laravel PHPUnit test?
- Use PHPUnit to compare the output of Vec::fromArray and your transformation against an expected Vec or array value. For example, create a Vec from a known list, call map or filter, and assert the result matches the expected sequence. Since the package lacks Laravel-specific test coverage, add your own tests for edge cases such as empty lists and invalid non-indexed input.
- Should I use Vec instead of Laravel Collection for array transformations?
- Use Laravel Collection or native arrays for simple CRUD operations, associative data, and cases where framework integration matters most. Vec may be useful for strict ordered-list transformations, immutable-style pipelines, and domain-specific functional DSLs where its sequential 0-indexed API is a good fit. Benchmark both options and document the separation to avoid redundant or shadowed map and filter methods.
- What are the performance considerations of using php-standard-library/vec in Laravel?
- Vec is lightweight, but it may add overhead compared with native arrays or Laravel's optimized Collection methods for simple operations. The assessment recommends benchmarking target operations, especially large datasets over 100K items, and profiling with Laravel Telescope if needed. Prioritize readability and maintainability benefits over raw performance unless benchmarks show a clear win.
- Does php-standard-library/vec require a Laravel service provider or configuration?
- No, there is no Laravel service provider, facade, or package configuration described. You bootstrap it manually in code, for example by calling Vec::fromArray($data) where needed. That keeps integration simple but means you are responsible for conventions, validation, and any dependency injection setup.
- Is php-standard-library/vec actively maintained, and what are the alternatives?
- The repository context notes low GitHub activity, including one star and no recent issues, which suggests niche utility rather than a heavily adopted Laravel package. It is MIT-licensed and standalone, so you can fork it if critical features such as Laravel facade integration are missing. Alternatives include Laravel Collection, native PHP arrays, and in-house functional helpers for ordered list transformations.