If you've been through this process before, you already know the answer—a resounding no.

Any upgrade of a Laravel system comes with it’s own set of challenges, including breaking changes, deprecated features, and third-party package dependencies. Successfully navigating these updates requires the user(s) to have a rigid understanding of the core Laravel concepts to avoid downtime and other unexpected issues.

To help simplify this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide based on insights from our team of 100% US-based software engineers. This resource distills their firsthand experience into actionable best practices, ensuring your Laravel upgrade is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Pre-Upgrade Preparation

Before initiating an upgrade, thoroughly review Laravel's official upgrade documentation. Identify deprecated methods, breaking changes, and required updates to ensure compatibility with the latest version.

Run composer outdated to check for outdated dependencies and update them accordingly. Ensure that all third-party packages are compatible with the new Laravel version before upgrading.

Be sure to check the server & environment requirements using the following functions:

• Verify the PHP version (php -v) to ensure compatibility.

• Ensure the database, queue drivers, and caching configurations meet the new Laravel version's requirements.

• Update necessary extensions or server configurations before proceeding.

Team Collaboration for Efficient Laravel Upgrades

A successful Laravel upgrade is a team effort, not a solo task. Assign specific responsibilities to team members to streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition. Developers who manage different application modules should be actively involved, helping to identify and resolve potential issues. To keep everyone aligned, maintain a detailed changelog and document all critical modifications throughout the upgrade.

Implementing a Robust Testing Strategy

Use Laravel's built-in testing framework to automate tests and ensure all features continue working after the upgrade. Running tests before and after updates helps catch potential issues early. Be sure to prioritize the following types of tests:

• Unit Tests: Validate individual components and functions.

• Feature Tests: Ensure API responses and user interactions function as expected.

• Integration Tests: Confirm that services like queues, mail, and jobs work correctly.

• Manual Testing for Edge Cases: Developers often test only expected user flows ("happy paths"). Quality Assurance (QA) teams should simulate unexpected user behaviors to identify overlooked issues.

Step-by-Step Laravel Upgrade Process

1. Create a Separate Upgrade Branch

Avoid upgrading directly on the production environment. Instead, create a dedicated upgrade branch:

git checkout -b upgrade-laravel

This allows team members to work on and test the upgrade before merging into the main branch.

2. Incremental Version Upgrades

If upgrading from an older version, follow Laravel’s incremental upgrade path. For example, upgrade from Laravel 8.x to 9.x before moving to 10.x instead of skipping versions.

3. Use Laravel Shift for Automated Upgrades (Optional)

Laravel Shift is a tool that automates version upgrades, making it easier to adapt to new Laravel releases. It is particularly useful for large projects with complex structures.

Managing Database & Migrations

1. Run Migrations in a Controlled Environment

Test database migrations in a staging environment before applying them in production:

php artisan migrate

Use --pretend mode to preview SQL changes before execution:

php artisan migrate --pretend

2. Backup Your Database

Before running migrations, create a database backup:

mysqldump -u root -p database_name > backup.sql

This ensures data safety in case of migration failures.

3. Check Laravel Model & Relationship Changes

Verify that Eloquent relationships, casts, and scopes work correctly in the new Laravel version to avoid unexpected behavior.

Deployment & Post-Upgrade Checks

1. Clear & Optimize Laravel Cache

After upgrading, clear Laravel's cache to prevent conflicts:

php artisan cache:clear

php artisan config:clear

php artisan view:clear

php artisan route:clear

2. Monitor Logs for Errors

Check storage/logs/laravel.log for errors that might have surfaced after the upgrade.

3. Verify Queue & Scheduling System

Ensure Laravel queues and cron jobs are working properly:

php artisan queue:work

crontab -l

4. Run Final Tests Before Deployment

Re-run test suites to confirm application stability. Consider zero-downtime deployment strategies using tools like Laravel Envoyer or Forge.

Communicating the Upgrade to the Team

1. Ensure All Developers Update Their Local Environments

After merging the upgraded branch, developers should update their local environments:

composer install

2. Update Documentation & Code Standards

Keep README files and internal wikis updated with new Laravel-specific best practices.

3. Set Up Alerts for Future Laravel Updates

Subscribe to Laravel’s official release notes and security bulletins to stay informed about upcoming upgrades and patches.

Why Regular Laravel Upgrades Matter

Regular Laravel upgrades are essential for maintaining security, as new releases address vulnerabilities that could put applications at risk. They also bring performance optimizations, improving execution speed and efficiency. Keeping Laravel up to date ensures compatibility with the latest features and packages, such as job batching, invokable controllers, and enhanced Eloquent functionality. Additionally, frequent, smaller updates are more cost-effective in the long run, preventing the need for major overhauls that require extensive rewrites.

All in All — Concluding Thoughts

Performing Laravel upgrades regularly is essential for maintaining security, performance, and compatibility. By planning ahead, collaborating as a team, implementing robust testing strategies, and following best practices, Laravel developers can ensure seamless and efficient upgrades with minimal disruptions.

By keeping your Laravel application up to date, you future-proof your project while benefiting from the latest features and optimizations. Implement these strategies and make Laravel upgrades a smooth and hassle-free process!