Getting Started with Laravel 11 - What You Need to Know

Why Laravel 11 Is Different

Laravel 11 cut the default application skeleton down significantly. Gone are most of the default middleware files, the HTTP kernel is leaner, and the service provider list is shorter. This is not removing features — it is moving defaults into the framework itself so you only define what you change.

The New Application Structure

The bootstrap/app.php file now handles middleware, exception handling and routing in one place. If you are upgrading from Laravel 10, this is the biggest adjustment.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Single bootstrap/app.php replaces the HTTP kernel
• Middleware groups defined inline, not in a class
• Fewer default service providers
• SQLite used by default for new installs

Should You Upgrade?

If you are starting a new project, absolutely use Laravel 11. For existing Laravel 10 apps, the upgrade is straightforward with the official upgrade guide and well worth doing before 10 reaches end of life.