- How do I install Symfony AI Milvus Store in a Laravel project?
- Use Composer to install the package with `composer require symfony/ai-milvus-store`. Since it’s part of Symfony AI, ensure you also have `symfony/ai` installed. Laravel projects can integrate it via Symfony’s bridge packages like `symfony/ux-live-component` or by manually configuring the AI client to use the Milvus store.
- Which Laravel versions support Symfony AI Milvus Store?
- The package is built for Symfony AI, which targets PHP 8.1+. Laravel 10+ is recommended due to its compatibility with Symfony components. For Laravel 9, check Symfony AI’s version constraints, as some newer features may require updates.
- Can I use Milvus Store with existing Laravel database migrations?
- No, Milvus Store manages collections via Milvus’ REST API, not Laravel migrations. Collections must be created programmatically or via Milvus CLI/tools. Use the store’s `createCollection()` method in a service or command during deployment.
- How do I perform a hybrid search (vector + metadata filtering) in Laravel?
- Use the `search()` method on the Milvus store instance, passing a `BooleanExpression` for metadata filters. Example: `$results = $milvusStore->search($vector, 10, new BooleanExpression('user_id == 42 && is_active == true'))`. The package abstracts Milvus’ filter syntax into Symfony’s AI store interface.
- What happens if Milvus is down during a Laravel request?
- The package throws exceptions on Milvus failures. Implement retry logic (e.g., Symfony’s `RetryStrategy`) or a fallback (e.g., local cache or a secondary store like `symfony/ai-postgresql-store`). For critical apps, consider circuit breakers like `symfony/http-client`'s `CircuitBreakerMiddleware`.
- Is Milvus Store suitable for large-scale Laravel applications with high QPS?
- Milvus handles high throughput, but network latency may impact Laravel. Optimize by batching inserts/searches, using Milvus’ async APIs, or caching frequent queries in Redis. Monitor Milvus metrics (e.g., QPS, latency) via Prometheus or custom logging.
- How do I handle schema changes in Milvus collections for Laravel models?
- Milvus collections require upfront schema definitions. For Laravel, define schemas in a config file or service. To modify schemas (e.g., adding fields), use Milvus’ `AlterCollection` API, but note this may require downtime or data migration. Avoid dynamic schema changes in production.
- What are the alternatives to Milvus Store for Laravel vector search?
- Consider `symfony/ai-postgresql-store` (pgvector), `meilisearch/meilisearch-php`, or `qdrant/qdrant-client`. For Laravel-native options, explore `spatie/laravel-ai` or `typefit/laravel-embeddings`. Milvus excels in scalability but requires self-hosting or cloud setup.
- Can I use Milvus Store with Laravel’s queue system for async operations?
- The package is synchronous, but you can wrap Milvus operations in Laravel queues. For example, dispatch a job to insert vectors into Milvus using `dispatch(new InsertVectorsJob($vectors))`. Use Symfony Messenger for async workflows if integrating deeper with Symfony AI.
- How do I test Milvus Store in a Laravel CI pipeline?
- Mock the Milvus client using Symfony’s `HttpClientMock` or a test double. For integration tests, spin up a local Milvus instance (e.g., Docker) or use a staging Milvus endpoint. Test edge cases like connection drops, invalid filters, and large payloads. Avoid hitting production Milvus in tests.