laravel-api

# Laravel API Development

## Agent Workflow (MANDATORY)

Before ANY implementation, launch in parallel:

1. **fuse-ai-pilot:explore-codebase** - Analyze existing API patterns
2. **fuse-ai-pilot:research-expert** - Verify Laravel API docs via Context7
3. **mcp__context7__query-docs** - Check API Resources and Sanctum patterns

After implementation, run **fuse-ai-pilot:sniper** for validation.

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## Overview

Build RESTful APIs with Laravel using API Resources for response transformation and Sanctum for authentication.

| Component | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| **Controllers** | Handle requests, delegate to services |
| **Form Requests** | Validate input, authorize actions |
| **API Resources** | Transform models to JSON |
| **Middleware** | Auth, rate limiting, CORS |
| **Routes** | Versioned endpoints with groups |
| **Pagination** | Offset/cursor pagination |
| **HTTP Client** | Consume external APIs |

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## Critical Rules

1. **Always use API Resources** - Never return Eloquent models directly
2. **Versioned routes** - Prefix with `/v1/`, `/v2/`
3. **Validate all input** - Use Form Requests, not inline validation
4. **Rate limiting** - Configure per-route limits
5. **Consistent responses** - Same structure, proper status codes
6. **Use services** - Keep controllers thin
7. **Eager load** - Prevent N+1 with `with()` before pagination

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## Reference Guide

### Core Concepts

| Topic | Reference | When to consult |
|-------|-----------|-----------------|
| **Routing** | [routing.md](references/routing.md) | Defining versioned API routes |
| **Controllers** | [controllers.md](references/controllers.md) | Controller patterns, resource methods |
| **Middleware** | [middleware.md](references/middleware.md) | Route protection, request filtering |
| **Validation** | [validation.md](references/validation.md) | Form Requests, validation rules |

### Request/Response

| Topic | Reference | When to consult |
|-------|-----------|-----------------|
| **Reques