Inertia.js with Laravel and React: A Guide for Entry-Level Developers πŸš€

Harold Defree - Nov 4 - - Dev Community

Note: These tips come from hands-on experience building modern Laravel applications with Inertia.js and React. Let's make your full-stack development journey exciting!

1.Quick Setup

composer require inertiajs/inertia-laravel
php artisan inertia:middleware
npm install @inertiajs/react

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

2.Essential Configuration

// routes/web.php
Route::inertia('/', 'Home');

// app/Http/Middleware/HandleInertiaRequests.php
public function share(Request $request): array
{
    return [
        'auth' => [
            'user' => $request->user(),
        ],
        'flash' => [
            'message' => session('message')
        ],
    ];
}

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

3.Basic Components

// resources/js/Pages/Home.jsx
import { Head } from '@inertiajs/react'
import Layout from '@/Layouts/AppLayout'

export default function Home({ posts }) {
    return (
        <>
            <Head title="Home" />
            <Layout>
                {posts.map(post => (
                    <div key={post.id}>{post.title}</div>
                ))}
            </Layout>
        </>
    )
}

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

4.Form Handling

import { useForm } from '@inertiajs/react'

export default function CreatePost() {
    const { data, setData, post } = useForm({
        title: '',
        content: ''
    })

    const submit = (e) => {
        e.preventDefault()
        post('/posts')
    }

    return (
        <form onSubmit={submit}>
            <input 
                value={data.title}
                onChange={e => setData('title', e.target.value)}
            />
        </form>
    )
}

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

5.Data Management

// Controller
public function index()
{
    return Inertia::render('Posts/Index', [
        'posts' => Post::with('author')->paginate(10)
    ]);
}

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

6.Common Patterns

  • Shared layouts with React components
  • Authentication with Laravel Sanctum
  • Form validation using React hooks
  • File uploads with progress
  • Pagination with React components
  • Real-time search functionality

7.Pro Tips

  • Use TypeScript for better type safety
  • Implement loading states with React Suspense
  • Create reusable React components
  • Keep controllers thin
  • Use resource controllers

8.Debugging Tools

  • React DevTools
  • Laravel Debugbar
  • Browser Network Tab

9.Best Practices

// Component Organization
components/
  └── Common/
      β”œβ”€β”€ Button.jsx
      └── Input.jsx
layouts/
  └── App.jsx
pages/
  └── Posts/
      β”œβ”€β”€ Index.jsx
      └── Create.jsx

Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

10.Performance Optimization

  • Code splitting with React.lazy()

  • Asset bundling with Vite

  • Lazy loading React components

  • Proper caching strategies

Learning Resources

-Official Inertia Documentation

  • Laravel Documentation
  • React Documentation
  • Laracasts Inertia Series

Do not forget

  • Live a Comment (let us speak)
  • Github

Remember: Inertia.js creates a seamless bridge between Laravel and React. Master both ecosystems to build powerful applications! πŸš€

. . . .