A PHP framework for building web applications, APIs, and admin systems quickly, with batteries-included tooling for routing, database access, authentication, queues, and testing.
Why I use it
Eloquent ORM keeps database code readable instead of hand-written SQL scattered through the app
Built-in queues and task scheduling handle background jobs without extra infrastructure
Mature ecosystem — Sanctum for API auth, Forge for deployment, Nova for admin panels
Strong testing tools (Pest/PHPUnit) built in from day one, not bolted on
Where it fits
Custom business systems and internal tools
REST APIs powering a separate React/Next.js frontend
SaaS applications that need built-in auth, billing hooks, and multi-tenancy
Current version
Laravel 11.x era (annual major releases) — confirm the exact current version before publishing.