Level 73
I would just update the API to Laravel 12, and keep the rest as is.
Feb 27, 2025
6
Level 1
Migrating from Laravel 8 API + React to Laravel 12 with Inertia – Is It Worth It?
I recently rewrote my React project to use the latest version of React along with updated libraries. Instead of modifying the existing setup, I created a separate React project, worked on all the front-end improvements, and now have a fully functional SPA. My backend is still running on Laravel 8, and the application currently communicates via API calls, exchanging JSON data. While the Laravel project isn’t overly complex, I have put in a fair amount of work to get it running smoothly. Now, I’m considering upgrading to Laravel 12 and switching from a traditional API approach to Laravel + Inertia. However, I have zero experience with Inertia and am wondering:
- How smooth would the transition be, given that my front end is already an SPA?
- Would you recommend migrating to Inertia, or should I stick with my current API-based setup since everything is already working?
- Are there any significant performance, maintainability, or development speed benefits that justify the switch? I’d appreciate any insights, recommendations, or experiences from those who have made a similar transition. Thanks in advance!
Level 1
@Tray2 You do not see any advantage working with inertia and React?
Level 104
@the_student if you already have a working API providing JSON data to a working frontend application, then you can surely save yourself a rewrite and just upgrade to Laravel 12 for the API.
Level 73
@the_student Not really no, unless you already use React on the front end, then maybe it would be worth spending the time.
Level 50
Try Inertia yourself in a fresh Laravel project. Only you can decide if migrating is worth it.
Level 80
@the_student Focus on one thing at a time. First upgrade the Laravel application (since Laravel 8 stopped receiving security fixes over two years ago).
When you have your application running the latest version (Laravel 12), then you can look at maybe re-factoring to use something like Inertia if you think it will actually benefit your project.
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