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Functional Routing

Functional routing gives you complete control over the routing process using simple PHP functions. This is the core routing approach - all other styles (file-based, Router class) are built on top of these functions.

When to Use Functional Routing​

  • Full Control - You want direct access to all routing primitives
  • Custom Logic - Need conditional routing based on complex criteria
  • Centralized Routes - All routes in a single index.php or routes/web.php
  • Familiar Style - Similar to frameworks like Slim or raw PHP routing
  • Minimal Overhead - No class autoloading, just functions

Basic Usage​

Single Entry Point (index.php)​

<?php
require_once 'vendor/autoload.php';

router(function() {
    route(method(GET), url_path('/'), function() {
        echo html_response(HTTP_OK, '<h1>Home</h1>');
    });

    route(method(GET), url_path('/about'), function() {
        echo html_response(HTTP_OK, '<h1>About Us</h1>');
    });

    route(method(GET), url_path('/contact'), function() {
        echo html_response(HTTP_OK, '<h1>Contact</h1>');
    });
});

Route Files Structure​

For larger applications, organize routes in separate files:

/app
├── public/
│   └── index.php       # Entry point
├── routes/
│   ├── web.php         # Web routes
│   └── api.php         # API routes
└── vendor/

public/index.php:

<?php
require_once __DIR__ . '/../vendor/autoload.php';

router(function() {
    require __DIR__ . '/../routes/web.php';
    require __DIR__ . '/../routes/api.php';
});

routes/web.php:

<?php
route(method(GET), url_path('/'), function() {
    echo html_response(HTTP_OK, '<h1>Welcome</h1>');
});

route(method(GET), url_path('/about'), function() {
    echo html_response(HTTP_OK, '<h1>About</h1>');
});

routes/api.php:

<?php
routerGroup('/api', function() {
    route(method(GET), url_path('/users'), function() {
        echo json_response(HTTP_OK, array('users' => array()));
    });

    route(method(POST), url_path('/users'), function() {
        $data = json_body();
        echo json_response(HTTP_CREATED, array('created' => $data));
    });
});

Topics​