Accelerating Laravel API Development with AI: From Specification to Testing

1h 10mIntermediate2025-06-09

Authors

Gary Kovar

Senior Back-End Developer and Software Engineer

Course details

In this course, Gary Kovar—a senior back-end developer and software engineer—uses Laravel API development to show you how to transform your projects with the power of Generative AI. Step through the process of converting API specifications into a fully functional Laravel application, as you learn to integrate tools like GitHub Copilot for code completion and error detection. Discover efficient ways to write automated tests, refactor your code, and ensure that your APIs are robust and regression-free. Explore essential Laravel features, such as Eloquent ORM, middleware, and validation, along with practical strategies for versioning and deployment. Whether you already manage a REST API or are planning on building one this course offers you the tools and insights to elevate your Laravel projects.

Learning objectives
Understand why Laravel is a great choice for REST API.
Utilize Github Copilot to create models, routes, and controllers.
Justify the use of or avoidance of GenAI for different parts of a project.
Code faster with the help of GenAI.

Skills covered

LaravelAPIsBack-End Web DevelopmentProgramming FoundationsFull-Stack Web DevelopmentArtificial Intelligence FoundationsArtificial Intelligence (AI)Web DevelopmentOpen SourceSoftware DevelopmentOne-Off

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Introduction to accelerating Laravel API development
02 - What you should know
03 - Using GitHub Codespaces

1. Getting Started

04 - Laravel for REST APIs
05 - Automated testing in Laravel
06 - Generative AI overview
07 - Setting up your IDE for AI

2. Generating Laravel Code from an API Spec

08 - Understanding API specifications
09 - Generating models with AI
10 - Scaffolding controllers and routes
11 - Validating generated code

3. Enhancing and Customizing Generated Code

12 - Best practices for refactoring AI-generated code
13 - Adding business logic (middleware)
14 - Debugging AI-generated code
15 - Using AI for documentation

4. Automated Testing in Laravel

16 - Get started with automated testing in Laravel
17 - Generating tests with AI
18 - Writing integration and feature tests
19 - Ensuring test coverage is sufficient

5. Go Live

20 - Preparing for production
21 - Iteration in a live application
22 - Leveraging AI for maintenance tasks
23 - Public documentation generator

Conclusion

24 - Next steps