How to Use Middleware in Laravel in 2025?

In the evolving ecosystem of web development, Laravel remains a robust framework for building modern web applications. One of its most crucial features is middleware, allowing developers to filter HTTP requests entering the application. In this mini guide, we’ll explore how to effectively use middleware in Laravel in 2025.

What is Middleware?

Middleware acts as a bridge between an HTTP request and response. It can be employed for various purposes like authentication, logging, and more. By properly utilizing middleware, you can ensure your application behaves consistently and securely.

Steps to Use Middleware

Step 1: Creating Middleware

In 2025, creating Middleware in Laravel is as simple as ever. Use the following Artisan command:

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php artisan make:middleware ExampleMiddleware

This command creates a new middleware class in the app/Http/Middleware directory.

Step 2: Defining Middleware Logic

Within your ExampleMiddleware.php, define the handle method to execute the desired logic:

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public function handle($request, Closure $next)
{
    // Your middleware logic goes here.

    return $next($request);
}

Step 3: Registering Middleware

To apply your middleware globally, register it in the app/Http/Kernel.php file. For route-specific application, add it to the desired routes in your web.php or api.php files.

Step 4: Applying Middleware

You can apply the middleware to routes within your routes/web.php or routes/api.php files like so:

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Route::get('/example', function () {
    // Your route actions here.
})->middleware('example');

Benefits of Using Middleware

1. Security: Middleware can protect your application by validating requests.
2. Code Reusability: It helps in writing cleaner and more maintainable code by separating request logic.
3. Performance: Proper middleware can optimize application performance by preventing unnecessary processing.

Explore More on Laravel

• Optimize your database interactions with complex queries in Laravel.
• Learn about optimizing performance by caching query results using Laravel query cache.
• Discover how to secure data with SHA256 in Laravel.

By mastering middleware in Laravel, you’re setting yourself up for success in developing efficient, scalable, and secure applications. As of 2025, Laravel continues to empower developers with cutting-edge tools and practices, making it a favorite across the developer community.