Laravel Version Guide: Key Differences Between 7, 8, 9, and 10 for Developers

Laravel Version Guide: Breaking Down 7, 8, 9, and 10 Features for Developers

Laravel’s constant evolution can leave developers scratching their heads. With major releases like Laravel 7, 8, 9, and 10, how do you decide which version to use for your project? Whether you’re maintaining legacy code or starting fresh, this guide breaks down the key differences, PHP requirements, and must-know features to help you choose wisely.

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Why Laravel Version Matters

Laravel’s yearly updates introduce modern tools, security patches, and PHP version upgrades. Picking the right version ensures:

• Long-term support (avoid outdated PHP).
• Access to new features like Jetstream or Sanctum.
• Smoother upgrades with fewer breaking changes.

Let’s dive into the details.

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PHP Requirements: The Backbone of Your Project

Before upgrading Laravel, check your PHP version:

• Laravel 7: Requires PHP 7.2.5 (unsupported since 2021).
• Laravel 8: Needs PHP 7.3+ (outdated for modern apps).
• Laravel 9: Minimum PHP 8.0 (supports new syntax like enums).
• Laravel 10: Demands PHP 8.1+ (future-proof for 2024+).

Pro Tip: If your server runs PHP 7.x, upgrade PHP first before switching to Laravel 9 or 10.

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Laravel 7: The Foundation of Modern Features

Released in March 2020, Laravel 7 introduced tools still used today:

• Sanctum (Airlock): Simple API authentication for mobile/SPA apps.
• Blade Components: Reusable UI elements (e.g., <x-alert />).
• Custom Eloquent Casts: Control how data is stored in models.
• HTTP Client: Introduced a new, fluent API for making HTTP requests
• Fluent String Operations: New Str class for improved string handling.
• Route Caching Improvements: Faster route registration performance.

Who Should Use It?
Only legacy projects stuck on PHP 7. For new apps, skip to Laravel 9 or 10.

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Laravel 8: Boosting Developer Productivity

Launched in September 2020, Laravel 8 focused on speed and ease:

• Jetstream: Pre-built auth scaffolding with 2FA and team management.
• Class-Based Factories: Simplify database testing with User::factory().
• Migration Squashing: Merge migration files to reduce clutter.
• Job Batching: Run multiple jobs in batches and handle their completion.
• Dynamic Blade Components: Pass dynamic component names in Blade.
• Event Listener Improvements: listenable property added for automatic registration.
• Rate Limiting Enhancements: More control over rate limits.
• Model Directory Change: Default app/Models directory introduced.
• Maintenance Mode Enhancements: Allows secret bypasses.

Limitation: Missing PHP 8.1 features (e.g., enums). Upgrade to Laravel 9+ for modern PHP.

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Laravel 9: Embracing PHP 8 and Symfony 6

Released in February 2022, Laravel 9 marked a major backend overhaul:

• PHP 8.0+: Use enums, named arguments, and union types.
• Anonymous Migrations: Prevent class name conflicts in large teams.
• Scout Database Engine: Full-text search without Algivia or Meilisearch.
• New Query Builder Interface: Improved type hinting and autocomplete.
• Improved Eloquent Accessors & Mutators: Uses cast syntax.
• Symfony Mailer: Replaces SwiftMailer.
• Improved Route Binding: Can bind multiple route parameters.

Ideal For: Projects on PHP 8.0 needing stability without bleeding-edge tools.

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Laravel 10: The Modern Developer’s Toolkit

Debuting in February 2023, Laravel 10 is built for today’s needs:

• Native Type Hints: All generated code (models, controllers) uses strict types.
• Laravel Pennant: Simplify feature flag management.
• Process Facade: Run CLI commands directly from Laravel.
• Interactive Prompts: Build CLI tools with spinners, dropdowns, and forms.
• Dropped Support for PHP 8.0: Requires PHP 8.1 or later.
• Pest Test Scaffolding: Default testing framework support for Pest.
• Improved String Handling: str() function enhancements.
• New Eloquent Methods: whereHasMorph() for improved morph relation queries.
• Laravel Pennant (Feature Flags): Toggle features dynamically.

Why Upgrade?

• Required for PHP 8.1+ projects.
• Built-in tools reduce dependency on third-party packages.

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Laravel 7 vs 8 vs 9 vs 10: Quick Comparison

Feature	Laravel 7	Laravel 8	Laravel 9	Laravel 10
Blade Components	✅	✅ Dynamic	✅ Improved	✅ Improved
Authentication	Sanctum	Jetstream	Jetstream	Jetstream
PHP Requirement	7.2+	7.3+	8.0+	8.1+
Eloquent Mutators	Classic	Class-based	New cast system	Enhanced
Job Batching	❌	✅	✅	✅
Query Builder Interface	❌	❌	✅	✅
Symfony Mailer	SwiftMailer	SwiftMailer	✅	✅
Rate Limiting	Basic	Enhanced	Improved	Improved
Feature Flags	❌	❌	❌	✅ Laravel Pennant

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How to Choose the Right Version

1. Legacy Projects on PHP 7.x: Stick with Laravel 7/8 until PHP is upgraded.
2. New Projects: Start with Laravel 10 for future-proofing.
3. Need Full-Text Search? Use Laravel 9+ with Scout’s database driver.
4. Feature Flags or CLI Tools? Laravel 10’s Pennant and Prompts are unbeatable.