Laravel Fundamentals Interview Quiz Quiz

Assess your understanding of Laravel framework essentials with these interview-style questions designed to cover routing, Eloquent, middleware, migrations, and core concepts. Ideal for those preparing for junior Laravel developer roles or refreshing basic Laravel knowledge.

1. Routing Basics

   Which method is used to define a GET route in Laravel's routing system for a URL such as '/home'?

   1. Route::fetch('/home', function () { ... });
   2. Route::access('/home', function () { ... });
   3. Route::post('/home', function () { ... });
   4. Route::get('/home', function () { ... });

   Explanation: In Laravel, the Route::get method defines a route that responds to HTTP GET requests, making it suitable for paths like '/home'. Route::fetch and Route::access are not valid Laravel methods, so they will not work. Route::post handles POST requests, not GET, so it isn't appropriate for simple page navigation. Only Route::get matches the purpose and syntax required.

2. Database Migrations

   What is the main purpose of Laravel's migration feature when working with a database?

   1. To protect routes with authentication
   2. To optimize database queries automatically
   3. To version-control and automate database schema changes
   4. To store session data securely

   Explanation: Migrations are primarily used for version-controlling and automating updates to the database schema, allowing developers to modify tables and fields easily. They do not optimize queries automatically; query optimization is handled elsewhere. Storing session data and route protection involve other Laravel features, not migrations. Version-control and schema automation are the core functions.

3. Eloquent ORM

   If you want to retrieve all records from a 'users' table using Eloquent, which method should you use?

   1. User::everything()
   2. User::all()
   3. User::grab()
   4. User::collect()

   Explanation: The correct method for fetching all records with Eloquent is User::all(), which returns a collection of all users. User::grab(), User::everything(), and User::collect() are not valid methods in Eloquent. These distractors might sound plausible but do not exist or function as required in Eloquent ORM.

4. Environment Files

   Which file does Laravel typically use to manage environment-specific configuration, such as database credentials?

   1. settings.env
   2. credentials.php
   3. .env
   4. config.txt

   Explanation: Laravel uses the .env file to store environment-specific settings like database credentials, cache drivers, and mail configurations. While config.txt and settings.env look similar, they are not standard in Laravel. credentials.php is not a built-in configuration file in the framework. The .env file is uniquely designed for such use.

5. Controllers

   In Laravel, what is the main purpose of a controller in the MVC architecture?

   1. To handle requests and return responses
   2. To design user interface styles
   3. To write raw database queries
   4. To configure route definitions

   Explanation: Controllers are responsible for handling incoming HTTP requests, processing them, and returning appropriate responses in the MVC pattern. Designing user interfaces is generally managed by view files, not controllers. Defining routes is handled in route files, and writing raw queries is often done in model or query builder logic rather than in controllers. Therefore, handling requests and responses is the primary role.

6. Middleware Purpose

   What is the primary use of middleware in a Laravel application?

   1. To generate frontend views
   2. To manage dependency injection
   3. To filter HTTP requests entering the application
   4. To define database table structures

   Explanation: Middleware acts as a filtering mechanism for HTTP requests, allowing you to implement features such as authentication or logging before the request reaches a controller. Defining table structures is the role of migrations, while generating views is handled by blade templates. Dependency injection is managed by the service container, not middleware.

7. Blade Templating

   Which syntax is correct for Blade template inheritance in Laravel when extending a layout named 'main'?

   1. ::main('extends')
   2. @inherit('main')
   3. @extends('main')
   4. #extends('main')

   Explanation: Blade uses the @extends('main') syntax to declare that a template inherits from a parent layout. #extends and ::main('extends') are invalid and do not belong to Blade's syntax. @inherit might sound logical, but the correct directive is @extends in Laravel for template inheritance.

8. Validation Basics

   Which function in a Laravel controller is commonly used to quickly validate incoming request data for fields like 'email'?

   1. $request-u003Echeck()
   2. $request-u003Etest()
   3. $request-u003Everify()
   4. $request-u003Evalidate()

   Explanation: The $request-u003Evalidate() method is used to validate input received in HTTP requests, ensuring fields such as 'email' meet specified rules. The validate function provides a streamlined way to trigger validation and redirects back automatically on failure. The other options—verify(), check(), and test()—either do not exist or serve different purposes. Only validate() is recognized for this purpose.

9. Seeding Data

   What is Laravel's seeder primarily used for during development?

   1. To manage user authentication routes
   2. To clear the application cache
   3. To generate test data for the database
   4. To encrypt user passwords

   Explanation: Seeders are designed to populate the database with sample or test data, which is helpful when developing or testing an application. Clearing cache, encrypting passwords, and managing authentication routes are unrelated to the seeding process and are managed by other components of the framework.

10. Artisan Command Line

    What does the 'php artisan migrate' command accomplish in a basic Laravel project?

    1. It installs new packages from repositories.
    2. It applies database schema changes defined in migration files.
    3. It generates a new application skeleton.
    4. It resets all user passwords.

    Explanation: The 'php artisan migrate' command applies new or modified database schema structure as defined in your migration files, synchronizing your database with the application's requirements. Installing packages is handled by a different tool, generating a new application is done using another command, and resetting passwords is not within the scope of 'migrate'. Only the first answer accurately describes its function.