Laravel: Use when() to Avoid Ugly Conditional Queries

Instead of wrapping queries in messy if statements, use Laravel’s when() method to keep your queries fluent and readable.

The Ugly Way

$query = User::query();

if ($request->role) {
    $query->where('role', $request->role);
}

if ($request->active) {
    $query->where('is_active', true);
}

$users = $query->get();

The Clean Laravel Way

$users = User::query()
    ->when($request->role, fn ($q, $role) =>
        $q->where('role', $role)
    )
    ->when($request->active, fn ($q) =>
        $q->where('is_active', true)
    )
->when($request->q, fn ($q, $search) =>
        $q->where('name', 'like', "%{$search}%")
    )
    ->get();

Why This Matters

• Keeps queries readable
• Avoids nested condition hell
• Perfect for filters & search APIs
• Scales cleanly as logic grows

Pro Tip: Add a Default Fallback with when()’s Third Argument

$users = User::query()
    ->when(
        $request->sort,
        fn ($q, $sort) => $q->orderBy($sort),
        fn ($q) => $q->orderBy('created_at', 'desc') // default fallback
    )
    ->get();