Laravel is an open-source PHP framework designed to make web development simpler and more efficient. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, which separates the code into logical components, enhancing maintainability and scalability. Laravel is widely used for building modern web applications due to its focus on simplicity, elegance, and powerful tools.

Laravel 12, scheduled for release in Q1 2025, introduces significant updates aimed at improving performance, security, and usability. Key changes include:

Step 1: Performance Enhancements

• Hashing Algorithm Change: Laravel 12 will replace MD5 with xxHash, which is significantly faster and optimized for large-scale applications​
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• UUID Updates: Models using the HasUuids trait will now adopt UUID v7, providing better uniqueness and timestamp-based ordering than UUID v4​
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Step 2: Database Optimization

• MariaDB Compatibility: Laravel will now use native MariaDB CLI commands, improving performance when working with MariaDB. This eliminates the reliance on MySQL-specific commands​
   
• Chunked Queries Enhancement: Chunked queries, which retrieve large datasets in manageable parts, will now fully respect user-defined limits, giving developers greater control over pagination and processing​.
   

Step 3: Real-Time and WebSocket Improvements

• Laravel 12 builds on existing real-time capabilities by enhancing WebSocket integration and broadcasting features. This allows easier implementation of real-time apps like chat systems, notifications, and live feeds with minimal setup​​

  Step 4: Improved Application Structure

  • Simplified Directory Layout: The project structure is further streamlined, reducing clutter in new Laravel projects. Configuration files are grouped logically to improve readability and faster onboarding for new developers​
     

  Step 5: Security Enhancements

  • Stronger Authentication for APIs: Laravel 12 introduces better token-based authentication, simplifying the process of securing APIs.
  • Enhanced Encryption Defaults: Encryption mechanisms are now more robust, aligning with modern standards to ensure data security without extensive manual configuration

  Step 6: Developer Tool Improvements

  • New Artisan Commands: Laravel’s command-line tool gets new commands, streamlining migrations and debugging.
  • Better Integration with Telescope & Horizon: These tools are now more tightly connected with Laravel, offering improved real-time monitoring and job management capabilities for developers​
     
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