How to Create Middleware in Laravel: Step-by-Step Guide

In Laravel, create middleware using the php artisan make:middleware MiddlewareName command, then define your logic in the handle method. Register the middleware in app/Http/Kernel.php to apply it globally or to specific routes.

Syntax

Middleware in Laravel is a PHP class with a handle method that receives the request and a closure to pass the request further. You create it with Artisan, then add your logic inside handle. Finally, register it in the Kernel to use it.

• php artisan make:middleware MiddlewareName: creates the middleware file.
• handle(Request $request, Closure $next): method where you write your filtering logic.
• Return $next($request) to continue the request cycle.

bash/php

php artisan make:middleware CheckAge

// In app/Http/Middleware/CheckAge.php
public function handle(Request $request, Closure $next)
{
    if ($request->input('age') <= 18) {
        return redirect('home');
    }
    return $next($request);
}

Example

This example creates a middleware named CheckAge that blocks users under 18 by redirecting them to the home page. It shows how to create, write, and register middleware.

php

<?php

namespace App\Http\Middleware;

use Closure;
use Illuminate\Http\Request;

class CheckAge
{
    public function handle(Request $request, Closure $next)
    {
        if ($request->input('age') <= 18) {
            return redirect('home');
        }
        return $next($request);
    }
}

// Register in app/Http/Kernel.php
protected $routeMiddleware = [
    'check.age' => \App\Http\Middleware\CheckAge::class,
];

// Use in routes/web.php
Route::get('/profile', function () {
    return 'Welcome to your profile!';
})->middleware('check.age');

Output

If user age <= 18, browser redirects to /home; otherwise, shows 'Welcome to your profile!'

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to register the middleware in Kernel.php means it won't run.
• Not returning $next($request) stops the request and causes errors.
• Using middleware on routes without proper parameters can cause unexpected redirects or failures.
• Middleware logic should be simple and fast to avoid slowing down requests.

php

<?php
// Wrong: Missing return statement
public function handle(Request $request, Closure $next)
{
    if ($request->input('age') <= 18) {
        redirect('home'); // Missing return
    }
    return $next($request);
}

// Right:
public function handle(Request $request, Closure $next)
{
    if ($request->input('age') <= 18) {
        return redirect('home');
    }
    return $next($request);
}

Quick Reference

Summary tips for creating middleware in Laravel:

• Use php artisan make:middleware Name to create.
• Write logic inside handle(Request $request, Closure $next).
• Always return $next($request) to continue.
• Register middleware in app/Http/Kernel.php under $middleware or $routeMiddleware.
• Apply middleware to routes or groups using ->middleware('name').

Key Takeaways

Create middleware with Artisan and write logic in the handle method.

Always return $next($request) to continue the request cycle.

Register middleware in Kernel.php to enable its use.

Apply middleware to routes or globally as needed.

Keep middleware logic simple and efficient.