Laravel is NO LONGER *only* a PHP Framework

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I want to share my reasons why I consider that Laravel has ceased to be solely a PHP backend framework and has become something more complete. Let's analyze that “something more,” especially in the Laravel 12 version, which introduces important changes that consolidate this vision.

New options when creating a project

When we run:

$ laravel new test

Notice that right from the base root these are the options we have:

○ None                                                     
○ React                                                    
● Vue                                                      
○ Livewire   

If we want a “pure” Laravel installation, meaning only backend, we use None. The other options already incorporate frontend components, turning Laravel into a fullstack framework.

Laravel fullstack: Frontend and Backend in one place

In previous versions, like Laravel 11, these options were not so direct. Previously it was necessary to configure Jetstream or manually integrate frontend frameworks. With Laravel 12, these technologies are already integrated from the initial installation, showing that the framework not only supports backend but also frontend officially.

• This means that from a single project we can:
• Manage server logic with Laravel.
• Integrate frontend frameworks like Vue, React, or Livewire.

Take advantage of all the features of these frameworks without the need for separate projects.

Advantages over other frameworks

Compared to Django or Flask, where we normally need:

• A backend project (Django/Flask).
• A frontend project (Vue/React) that consumes an API.

Laravel simplifies everything into a single project, with complete integration between backend and frontend, avoiding project duplication and the complexity of maintaining separate APIs.

Livewire: the hybrid option

Livewire is an intermediate approach: it maintains the essence of Laravel but allows interactivity on the frontend without completely relying on frameworks like Vue or React. Furthermore, it integrates very well with Alpine.js, offering a lighter and more coherent experience with Laravel.

Inertia.js and Vue

With Inertia, Laravel allows fully integrated Vue projects. The integration now includes:

• Optional TypeScript.
• Ready-to-use configuration with Laravel.
• Clean and professional structure for robust projects.

This is not just a basic Vue project, but a complete integration, showing that Laravel is now seriously thinking about fullstack, not just as a superficial complement.

Conclusion

Laravel 12 is no longer just a backend framework:

It allows frontend and backend in a single project.

It integrates modern technologies like Vue, React, Livewire, and Alpine.js.

It simplifies the creation of professional fullstack projects.

This demonstrates that Laravel has consolidated itself as a complete framework, which facilitates building modern applications without dividing the project into several parts.