Define enums in Laravel using native PHP 8.1+ enums or Spatie for richer features, then apply them cleanly across models, validation, Blade templates, and API responses.
1. Native PHP Enums in Laravel (PHP 8.1+)
Laravel supports PHP 8.1+ native enums, letting you cleanly use them in models, validation, database logic, and API responses.
Creating an Enum Class
Start by creating a dedicated enum under App\Enums:
namespace App\Enums;
enum SubscriptionPlan: string
{
case BASIC = 'basic';
case PRO = 'pro';
case ENTERPRISE = 'enterprise';
}
Using Enums in Models
use App\Enums\SubscriptionPlan;
use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
class Customer extends Model
{
protected $casts = [
'plan' => SubscriptionPlan::class,
];
}
Blade View Example
@if ($customer->plan === \App\Enums\SubscriptionPlan::PRO)
You're on the Pro Plan 🚀
@endif
Validating Enum Values in Requests
use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
use App\Enums\SubscriptionPlan;
$request->validate([
'plan' => ['required', Rule::in(array_column(SubscriptionPlan::cases(), 'value'))],
]);
API Response Formatting
public function toArray(): array
{
return [
'name' => $this->name,
'plan' => $this->plan->value,
];
}
2. Custom Enum Classes in Laravel (Before PHP 8.1)
Running Laravel on an older PHP version? You can still simulate enum behavior using constant-based classes, perfect for projects stuck below PHP 8.1.
Creating a Custom Enum Class
Here’s a basic structure using constants and a helper method:
namespace App\Enums;
class SubscriptionPlan
{
public const BASIC = 'basic';
public const PRO = 'pro';
public const ENTERPRISE = 'enterprise';
public static function all(): array
{
return [
self::BASIC,
self::PRO,
self::ENTERPRISE,
];
}
}
Using Custom Enums in Validation
You can plug this into your request validation like this:
use App\Enums\SubscriptionPlan;
use Illuminate\Validation\Rule;
$request->validate([
'plan' => ['required', Rule::in(SubscriptionPlan::all())],
]);
📚Also Read: Best Laravel Security Practices For Developers
3. Enum Handling with Spatie Package
Spatie’s Laravel Enum package brings extra tools for cleaner validation, type-safe comparisons, and flexible enum-driven workflows.
Installation
First, install the package using Composer:
composer require spatie/enum
Creating an Enum Class (Spatie)
You can generate your enum manually or extend the base Enum class like this:
namespace App\Enums;
use Spatie\Enum\Enum;
/**
* @method static self monthly()
* @method static self yearly()
* @method static self lifetime()
*/
class BillingCycle extends Enum {}
Form Request Validation
use App\Enums\BillingCycle;
use Illuminate\Validation\Rules\Enum;
$request->validate([
'cycle' => ['required', new Enum(BillingCycle::class)],
]);
Model Attribute Casting
public function setCycleAttribute($value)
{
$this->attributes['cycle'] = BillingCycle::make($value)->value;
}
public function getCycleAttribute($value)
{
return BillingCycle::make($value);
}
Blade Template Usage
@if ($subscription->cycle->equals(\App\Enums\BillingCycle::yearly()))
You’re subscribed to the yearly plan 📅
@endif
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4. Handling Enums in Laravel Migrations and Databases
Store enums cleanly in Laravel using VARCHAR columns or ENUM types, keeping your schema flexible for future changes.
Option 1: Use VARCHAR Columns (Recommended)
Storing enum values as plain strings (e.g., 'admin', 'user', 'guest') offers more flexibility, especially when enum options may evolve in the future.
use Illuminate\Database\Schema\Blueprint;
use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Schema;
Schema::create('users', function (Blueprint $table) {
$table->string('role')->default('user');
});
Using Enums in Model Casts
You can easily bind enum classes to your Eloquent model using Laravel’s native casting system (PHP 8.1+ only):
protected $casts = [
'role' => \App\Enums\UserRole::class,
];
Tips
- Type-Safe Logic: If you're on PHP 8.1 or higher, native enums offer clean, maintainable code with strict type enforcement across your Laravel app.
- Flexible Database Design: Stick with VARCHAR fields instead of rigid ENUM columns to keep your schema adaptable as your enum options evolve.
- Reliable Validation: Whether using native enums, custom classes, or Spatie, always validate enum inputs to maintain data integrity and avoid unexpected behavior.
