The web.php file is used to define routes in Laravel, but api.php is preferred for APIs. In this article, we’ll discuss why api.php is the best option for defining API routes in Laravel, including its built-in prefixing and authorization checks. We’ll also explore how it can help prevent misuse and save costs when deploying APIs to production servers.
- Introduction:
Laravel is a popular PHP framework that makes building APIs easy. While the web.php file can be used to define routes, the api.php file offers additional advantages that make it a preferred choice for defining API routes in Laravel. - Prefixing:
All routes defined in the api.php file are automatically prefixed with “api/” in the request. This means that when you make a request to your API from a web browser or a mobile app, the API routes are easily recognizable and distinguishable from other routes. This makes it easier to manage and organize your API routes. - Authorization Checks :
The api.php file also offers built-in authorization checks using the auth middleware. This adds an extra layer of security to your API, ensuring that only authenticated users can access certain API routes. Additionally, rate limiting checks can be applied to limit the number of requests that can be made to the API, preventing bots from misusing your API and saving costs when deploying APIs to production servers. - Conclusion:
In conclusion, while the web.php file can be used to define routes in Laravel, the api.php file offers additional advantages for defining API routes. With its built-in prefixing and authorization checks, the api.php file makes it easier to manage and secure your API routes.
