- How do I install vulnerar/http in a Laravel project?
- Install it with Composer using composer require vulnerar/http. In Laravel, any service provider or configuration steps should be described in the package README; if the package supports auto-discovery, Laravel will register it automatically. Standalone PHP usage requires the Composer autoloader.
- Does vulnerar/http work with standalone PHP or only Laravel?
- Yes. vulnerar/http is designed for Laravel applications but remains usable in standalone PHP projects. In standalone usage, install it via Composer and include the Composer autoloader; Laravel-specific integration features simply will not apply.
- How do I make a GET request with headers and query parameters using vulnerar/http?
- Use the fluent request builder to set headers, query parameters, and the payload before sending. The package is designed so you do not need to hand-build low-level request objects. Consult the README for the exact method names and chaining order in your version.
- How do I read the status code, body, and headers from a vulnerar/http response?
- Responses are returned as consistent response objects with helpers for status, body, and headers. That lets you inspect the outcome without parsing raw transport details. Use the provided helper methods rather than relying on the underlying client response.
- How does vulnerar/http handle failed or unexpected responses?
- The package includes simple handling for failed or unexpected responses, so you can branch on unsuccessful outcomes instead of scattering error checks. Check the response object's status or failure helpers and the README for whether exceptions are thrown or returned. For complex retry or circuit-breaker policies, add your own logic around the client.
- Can I add logging or authentication hooks to vulnerar/http requests?
- Yes. The package provides extensible hooks for concerns such as logging, authentication, and custom request or response behavior. Use those hooks to keep cross-cutting logic out of individual API calls, and check the README for the exact extension points available in your version.
- Which Laravel versions does vulnerar/http support?
- The package is described as Laravel-friendly, but the supported Laravel and PHP versions are defined by its Composer constraints. Check the composer.json and README for the exact version matrix before upgrading. If you need a specific Laravel release, verify it in a test branch first.
- How do I test code that uses vulnerar/http?
- Because vulnerar/http is an HTTP client layer, the cleanest approach is to mock or fake it at your application boundary, such as a service class that wraps outbound calls. Check the README for any built-in fake or testing helpers before building your own. Keep integration tests separate so real network calls do not slow down unit tests.
- Is vulnerar/http suitable for production API integrations?
- It is a lightweight client intended for making outbound requests and integrating external APIs, so it can be used in production for common integration tasks. Review timeout, error handling, and logging behavior in your setup, and use the extension hooks for authentication and observability. For high-risk integrations, test failure paths and confirm the package's maintenance status.
- What are the alternatives to vulnerar/http for Laravel HTTP clients?
- Laravel's built-in HTTP client, the Http facade, and Guzzle are the most common alternatives, with Symfony HttpClient also available in PHP projects. vulnerar/http differentiates itself with a lightweight fluent layer and Laravel-friendly integration. Choose based on whether you need Laravel-native fakes, advanced Guzzle middleware, or a simpler wrapper.