Laravel v11.9.0 introduces a significant update with a new default exception page that now includes dark mode. This release also speeds up bootstrap times by utilizing a hashtable for provider storage, significantly benefiting large applications. Additionally, versions v11.9.1 and v11.9.2 have also been released, continuing the improvements and stability of the framework.

Aaron Francis showcases Resend, the new mail driver in Laravel, remarked by Taylor Otwell for its beautiful design and functionality. Aaron demonstrates the easy setup, API key configuration, and markdown email creation. Resend's competitive pricing and generous free tier make it an excellent choice for developers.

Use when() to make your queries more maintainable and elegant.

$userQuery = User::query()
    ->when($isActive, function ($query) {
        return $query->where('active', 1);
    })
    ->when($isAdmin, function ($query) {
        return $query->where('role', 'admin');
    })
    ->get();

Discover a new PHP tool concept akin to npx (a Node.js package runner). This video offers a sneak peek at an early proof-of-concept for effortlessly executing PHP packages without needing local or global installation.

Kévin Dunglas shares his presentation on containerization tips and tricks for PHP apps from AFUP Day Lille 2024.

Easily parse large JSON files in Laravel with cerbero/json-parser. This package uses generators for memory-efficient data handling, perfect for processing extensive datasets from files, URLs, and strings.

Here's a great post reminding us why applying 'Don't Repeat Yourself' (DRY) too rigidly can complicate future code modifications. Using a representative example, the article emphasizes not prematurely coupling behaviors that may evolve separately. When designing abstractions, keep behaviors separate until enough common patterns emerge to justify coupling. This approach ensures your code remains flexible and maintainable as it evolves.

Cloudflare's aggressive upselling forced a business from a $250/month plan to a threatened $120k/year Enterprise contract, leading to domain deletions and significant operational disruptions when negotiations faltered. This real-world case highlights the importance of understanding vendor lock-in risks and contingency plans.