- How do I install ryangjchandler/blade-capture-directive in my Laravel project?
- Run `composer require ryangjchandler/blade-capture-directive` in your project root. No additional configuration is needed—it integrates automatically with Laravel’s Blade engine. Ensure your project uses PHP 8.1 or higher for compatibility.
- What’s the difference between @capture and Laravel’s @include directive?
- @capture stores rendered output in a variable for later use in the same view, while @include inserts content directly. Use @capture for reusable fragments within a template (e.g., dynamic modals) and @include for standalone partials like headers or footers.
- Can I use @capture with Laravel Livewire or Alpine.js?
- Yes, but test reactivity carefully. Captured content won’t automatically update Livewire/Alpine components—you’ll need to manually re-render or use Alpine’s `x-data` to sync dynamic changes. Avoid over-nesting @capture blocks in reactive contexts.
- Does this package work with Laravel 10+ and Blade components?
- Absolutely. The package is designed for modern Laravel (10+) and plays well with Blade components, slots, and layouts. You can capture output inside components or pass it to slots like `@slot('sidebar') {{ $capturedContent }} @endslot`.
- How do I debug issues if @capture isn’t working as expected?
- Check for syntax errors in the captured block (e.g., unclosed tags). Use `{{ dump($capturedVariable) }}` to inspect the stored output. If issues persist, verify no other Blade directives are conflicting, and ensure your template isn’t cached (run `php artisan view:clear`).
- Will @capture improve performance compared to manual string concatenation?
- Yes, it eliminates the need for `ob_start()`/`ob_get_clean()` hacks, which can slow down rendering. However, overusing @capture in deeply nested templates may slightly increase compilation time. Benchmark against your current approach for critical sections.
- Can I use @capture to build dynamic UI snippets for dashboards?
- Perfectly suited for dashboards! Capture reusable elements like cards, modals, or alerts into variables, then conditionally render them based on user roles or data. Example: `@capture('user-card') {{ $user->renderCard() }} @endcapture` and reuse `$userCard` elsewhere.
- Are there alternatives to @capture for Laravel Blade?
- Yes: Use `@include` for static partials, view composers for logic-heavy sections, or JavaScript frameworks (e.g., Alpine/Vue) for client-side reactivity. However, @capture is unique for *inline* variable storage without file extraction—ideal for legacy apps or tight templates.
- How does @capture handle errors in captured content?
- Errors in captured blocks (e.g., undefined variables) will throw Blade exceptions like any other template syntax. Wrap dynamic content in `@if` checks or use `{{ $var ?? '' }}` to prevent silent failures. Test edge cases like malformed HTML or missing data.
- Should I migrate existing @include directives to @capture for better reusability?
- Only if the partial is used *multiple times* in the same view. For standalone includes (e.g., layouts), stick with `@include` for clarity. Use @capture sparingly for inline snippets—overuse can make templates harder to debug. Start with non-critical sections first.