Using Laravel Helper Functions for Cleaner PHP Codebase [ ![](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/eSpark-logo-white.svg.svg) ](https://www.esparkinfo.com) [ sales@esparkinfo.com ](mailto:sales@esparkinfo.com) | [ Book a Call ](https://calendly.com/esparkbiz/30min) [ Request a Quote ](/quick-quote) - [Home](https://www.esparkinfo.com) - [ Software Development ](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development "Software Development") - [ Technologies ](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies "Technologies") - [ Laravel ](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies/laravel "Laravel") - Laravel Helper Functions Laravel Helper Functions # A-Z Information About The Laravel Helper Functions ![calender img](/wp-content/themes/esparkbiz/images/calender-img.svg) Last update date: April 14, 2026 Follow us on:- [ ![](/wp-content/themes/esparkbiz/images/Social-Icons-X.png) ](https://x.com/esparkbiz) - [ ![](/wp-content/themes/esparkbiz/images/Social-Icons-fb.png) ](https://www.facebook.com/esparkbiz/) - [ ![](/wp-content/themes/esparkbiz/images/Social-Icons-in.png) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/esparkinfo/) ![](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/final-bg-2.svg) Summarize with AI - [ ![Google AI](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/aistudio.svg) Google AI ]() - [ ![ChatGPT](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hire-ChatGPT-Developer.svg) ChatGPT ]() - [ ![Perplexity](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/perplexity.svg) Perplexity ]() - [ ![Claude ai](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Claude.svg) Claude.ai ]() - [ ![Grok](https://images.esparkinfo.com/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/grok.svg) Grok ]() Quick Summary :- The presence of in-built utility helper functions makes Laravel one of the most loved frameworks among the developers' community. In this article, we take you through the various helper functions. We also discuss Laravel helpers and available methods to helpers. We end the article with a detailed FAQ section to answer all your unanswered questions If you have a stronghold in the PHP framework, then you will find Laravel a convenient platform to develop web applications. After all, it is a core PHP framework that helps to carve out such applications from scratch. Today, we’ll talk about Laravel Helper Functions. One of the many reasons as to why developers prefer the [Laravel PHP framework](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies/laravel/why-laravel-is-best-php-framework) to develop web-applications is the presence of in-built utility helper functions, commonly referred to as Laravel functions. If you [hire dedicated laravel developer](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies/laravel/developers-for-hire) they will tell you the importance of it.” Now, if you have paid a little attention, you might have noticed the inbuilt utility function, which presents itself as helpers. Such helpers function makes the development process quicker and easier. ## What Is a Laravel Helper? Laravel framework comes with a plethora of inbuilt helper utility functionality that eases out the workflow process using elements like string, path, and URL. Such helper functions can help to augment the process development by eliminating repetitive writing processes. Creating a custom Laravel Helpers with function is altogether a different ball game. Here you will need to use the composer Laravel helper files. These helper files are structured using composer packages to give you a helper function utility that auto loads with a predefined set of functions. Top [Laravel Development Company in India](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies/laravel) possess core expertise in Laravel Helper Function and offer Quality Result-oriented solutions. As we move ahead, here, we will discuss the available methods for helpers function, and top helper functions Laravel. ## Top Helper Functions In Laravel ### data\_get () A basic form of array helps to pool in various values without having to add separate variables each time you add a value. The data\_get() function helps to ascertain this value of an object or array with the use of dot notation. ``` $array = ['albums' => ['rock' => ['count' => 75]]]; $count = data_get($array, 'albums.rock.count'); // 75 $avgCost = data_get($array, 'albums.rock.avg_cost', 0); // 0 $object = (object) $array; $count = data_get($object, 'albums.rock.count'); // 75 $avgCost = data_get($object, 'albums.rock.avg_cost', 90); // 90 ``` A dot notation generally helps to access the members of an object and it presents itself something like this: objectreference.memberName. This is one of the effective Laravel Helpers, without a doubt. One of the best things about using data\_get() is that you do not have to verify the variables that you have been using, as it provides the results using the same syntax. ### str\_plural() [Str\_plural()](https://laravel.com/docs/5.2/helpers) helps to convert a singular string of characters into its plural form. A [dedicated developer](https://www.esparkinfo.com/staff-augmentation/hire-dedicated-developers) can switch between the singular and plural form using a second or lets say an optional parameter if he wishes to do so. Though, we have something called str\_singluar() helper function that does the opposite conversion. ``` Str::plural('dog'); // dogs Str::plural('cat'); // cats Str::plural('dog', 2); // dogs Str::plural('cat', 1); // cat Str::plural('child'); // children Str::plural('person'); // people Str::plural('fish'); // fish Str::plural('deer', 2); // deer str_plural('deer', 2); // deer ``` Now, this helper function is designed logically to interpret and execute the plurality function according to the confines of the English Language. Meaning, it can identify the uncountable noun and treat it accordingly. ### route() Normally, a Route.php helps to generate a custom URL, which is simple and secure. In other words with the route.php you can identify a URL and run a specified controller or view. Taking it further is route() helper function, which helps to generate URLs with routes carrying specific names using the string approach. ``` Route::get('burgers', 'BurgersController@index')->name('burgers'); route('burgers'); // http://example.com/burgers route('burgers', ['order_by' => 'price']); // http://example.com/burgers?order_by=price Route::get('burgers/{id}', 'BurgersController@show')->name('burgers.show'); route('burgers.show', 1); // http://example.com/burgers/1 route('burgers.show', ['id' => 1]); // http://example.com/burgers/1 Route::get('employees/{id}/{name}', 'EmployeesController@show')->name('employees.show'); route('employees.show', [5, 'chris']); // http://example.com/employees/5/chris route('employees.show', ['id' => 5, 'name' => 'chris']); // http://example.com/employees/5/chris route('employees.show', ['id' => 5, 'name' => 'chris', 'hide' => 'email']); // http://example.com/employees/5/chris?hide=email ``` Adding optional parameters is also possible, in case you do not add an additional route parameter, Laravel internally tries to match it to an alike attribute. ### abort\_if() Abort\_if and abort\_unless are quite similar to each other, but there are subtle changes in the context of their usage. The basic idea behind the use of both the helper function is to plug in an exception if a given expression turns out to be true. ``` abort_if(! Auth::user()->isAdmin(), 403); abort_if(! Auth::user()->isAdmin(), 403, 'Sorry, you are not an admin'); abort_if(Auth::user()->isCustomer(), 403); ``` To put it plainly, the abort\_if helper function is crucial to stop the execution of the application. The abort\_if function can be effectively used in cases of credit card or subscription expiry ### optional() Optional() was first introduced in Laravel 5.5, and was a subtle addition in helping the developers to figure out the object properties. Initially, when Optional () was not introduced, any object whose properties were not defined would return an error. ``` // User 1 exists, with account $user1 = User::find(1); $accountId = $user1->account->id; // 123 // User 2 exists, without account $user2 = User::find(2); $accountId = $user2->account->id; // PHP Error: Trying to get property of non-object // Fix without optional() $accountId = $user2->account ? $user2->account->id : null; // null $accountId = $user2->account->id ?? null; // null // Fix with optional() $accountId = optional($user2->account)->id; // null ``` Things changed with optional (), as the developers now can easily ignore the error. Meaning, if the object does not have specified property, the error would be replaced with a null result. ### Arr::dot(); Bringing the classic functionality of array alongside the inherent benefits of dot notation is what the array\_dot helper function is all about. Normally an array is employed to manage the data flow with as few variables as possible, usually one. The [Features Of Laravel 7](https://www.esparkinfo.com/software-development/technologies/laravel/features) also proves this fact right. ``` $array = [     'user' => ['username' => 'something'],     'app' => ['creator' => ['name' => 'someone'], 'created' => 'today'] ]; $dot_array = array_dot($array); // [user.username] => something, [app.creator.name] => someone, [app.created] => today ``` An array\_dot dot functionality helps to streamline the varying levels of the array into a unique single form, aided by dot notation. ### Arr::get(); Array\_get () carries forward the array functionality from sorting data and managing them to retrieving them. This is where array\_get() comes in for tracking back the data from an array deeply nested. ``` $array = [     'user' => ['username' => 'something'],     'app' => ['creator' => ['name' => 'someone'], 'created' => 'today'] ]; $name = array_get($array, 'app.creator.name'); // someone ``` It also provides for an optional third parameter in context to the default value for situations where the key element is missing. ``` $name = array_get($array, 'app.created.name', 'anonymous'); // anonymous ``` ### public\_path() Public\_path helper function is crucial to help you to navigate towards the public directory along a specified path. Here, you can have access to CSS and javascript files. You can even add a path to a specified CSS or JS file within the confines of the concerned file directory: $path=public\_path( ‘css/style.css’). ``` public_path = public_path(); $path = public_path('js/app.js'); ``` ### Str::orderedUuid() The Str::orderedUuid() helper function helps to assign a timestamp first UUID. A timestamp helps to generate data for usually in the form of long characters when returned as output, and it keeps ticking as you refresh the page result. Now, since the purpose of UUID is to assign unique identifier elements indexing them in the database column won’t be a problem. Laravel 5.6 may bring in a dependency exception in the form of : Ramsey Uuid Exception UnsatisfiedDependencyException. Now, you can tackle this exception with a moontoast/math package with the use of the below-mentioned command. ``` composer require "moontoast/math" use IlluminateSupportStr; return (string) Str::orderedUuid() -> not Str::orderByUuid(); // A timestamp first uuid ``` ### tap() The Tap() is an interesting addition to the helper functions as it allows you to work with the $value inside the closure and then return the value when called. So, it would be ideal to state that the given helper function works on two arguments: closure and value. ``` $user = AppUser::find(1); return tap($user, function($user) {     $user->update([         'name' => 'Random'     ]); }); ``` In case you do not pass a closure, you can use any chain methods. Interestingly, the return will be $value, for any method that you choose to the plugin for the return. ``` $user = AppUser::find(1); return tap($user)->update([     'name' => 'SomeName' ]); ``` ### dump() The dump() helper function comes in really handy for debugging as it dumps the variables without affecting the natural course of the execution. ``` dump($var1); dump($var1, $var2, $var3); ``` Now, we encourage you to study the dd() function, and then you will probably appreciate the presence of the dump function in context to simultaneous executions while dumping the variables. You can study more about them in Laravel docs. ### str\_slug() Naturally with the use of mod\_rewrite in a particular site helps to improve the performance in terms of search engine ranking. But, it is not an effective way, or let’s say it has become outdated. Now there is an introduction of something called a slug. A slug is a combination of alphanumeric series in lowercase minus any additional spaces for the product or the page title. This is one of the effective Laravel Helper Functions. Now, the str\_slug does the same thing of generating URLs using the string of characters available representing the page or product title. ``` $slug = Str::slug('Laravel 5 Framework', '-'); // helpers-in-laravel ``` ### array\_pluck() The array\_pluck is the last array helper function that we discuss in the topic. As we have seen earlier the array helpers have made it easy to work huge chunks of data collection. Taking this forward, the array\_pluck helps to return all the values from the list of arrays for a specifically given id usually referred to as a key. ``` $products = [     ['tablets' =>         ['id' => '1', 'name' => 'Amazon Fire HD', 'price' => '99.99'],         ['id' => '2', 'name' => 'Samsung Galaxy', 'price' => '149.99'],         ['id' => '3', 'name' => 'Apple iPad 32GB', 'price' => '499.99'],     ],     ['laptops' =>         ['id' => '11', 'name' => 'Lenovo ThinkPad', 'price' => '299.99'],         ['id' => '12', 'name' => 'Asus ZenBook', 'price' => '699.99'],         ['id' => '13', 'name' => 'Microsoft Surface Pro', 'price' => '379.99'],     ], ]; $laptopNames = Arr::pluck($products, 'laptops.name'); // ['Lenovo ThinkPad', 'Asus ZenBook', 'Microsoft Surface Pro' ``` ### asset() The asset helper function helps to fetch the relevant URL for an asset employing the HTTP or https URL convention. It is one of the miscellaneous helper functions. ``` $cssUrl = asset('css/style.css'); // https://www.larashout.com/css/style.css ``` ### config() The config() helper function has been around for quite some time now. A config() Laravel helper functions fetches the variable for the config() from the concerned directory and returns its value. ``` $app = config('app.name'); // Laravelhelper ``` ## Available Methods For Laravel Helpers ### Arrays Arrays have been instrumental in maintaining loads of data in a clear and logical form using variables. Laravel array helpers functions in the given php framework assist in working out various permutations with the Array elements. More often than not, developers find a need and way to play around with these elements. Helper methods functions in Laravel have a bundle of array helpers that can help you in bringing a change in the array elements. Array helper functions bundle includes array\_ dot (), array\_ get (), and array\_ pluck (). We will look into them in detail as we move ahead. ### Paths With the use of the path helper function, you can route to a qualified path of various directories. For instance, if you want to access the config directory path, you can use the config\_path helper functions. There are similar helper functions under the path family which returns you to a specified qualified directory. Some of these include app\_path, base\_path, public\_path, database\_path, resource\_path, and storage\_path. Here we will deal with the public\_path helper function under the path segment. However, you can check the official documentation for details on various other path-based helper functions. ### Strings ![string in PHP](https://ebiz-images.b-cdn.net/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1-3.png "A-Z Information About The Laravel Helper Functions 1") A string in PHP is essentially a group of characters placed inside quotes. Now, working with a string is an inevitable part of any project. Thus, manipulating strings by changing the code script can be taxing. So, we have several Laravel string helpers functions that can help you in working with strings dynamically. Some of the common string-based helper functions that we will talk about here include Str::ordered did(), and str\_plural. While there are various other string functions, the likes of which include Str::after(), and Str::afterLast(). ### URLs ![URLs helper functions](https://ebiz-images.b-cdn.net/wp-media-folder-esparkbiz/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2-3.png "A-Z Information About The Laravel Helper Functions 2") URLs helper functions come in really handy for crafting URLs based on specific needs. There are different URL functions under this family, which helps in generating URLs for specific purposes. There are not many URL helper functions, but their nature is such that they are used almost frequently in a project. Some of the URL helper functions include action, route, secure URL, asset, URL, and secure asset. Here, we will be dealing with asset and route helper functions. ### Miscellaneous Some of the helper functions have no specific category and were clubbed into the category of miscellaneous. They can assist in various functional aspects like debugging and cache management. Some of the helper functions from the miscellaneous category that we will look into include: abort\_if (), tap (), and dump (). Some of the miscellaneous collection helper functions like tap() can be categorised into Laravel collection helpers, though being put into miscellaneous categories. ## Conclusion So, we have covered most of the Laravel helper functions family, however this is not the end. There are various other helper functions like Laravel view helpers for creating views and passing data into views. To have a comprehensive understanding of helper functions beyond the popular ones, you must visit the Laravel official documentation page. There is so much more to explore. We hope you had a great time reading this article and it proves to be a great value for any Laravel Developer in the near future. Thank You.! ## Frequently Asked Questions Where To Store Controller Helper Functions? In Laravel, generally the helpers are typically stored in your system/Helpers, or app/Helpers directory. How To Include Helper Function In Controller? For the helper functions that don’t need an autoloading, create a directory like appHelpers. Then in the Helpers directory, put a class name and use it in a controller. How To Create Helper Functions? 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