Adding a helpers file in Laravel 5

I still like to use a helpers.php in my Laravel 5 projects, just to throw some simple functions in there that I can use around the place. Luckily, it's just as simple to set this up through Composer. First, update your composer.json file,a round the autoload key.

"autoload": {
    "classmap": [
        "database
    ],
    "psr-4": {
        "App\\": "app/"
    },
    "files": [
        "app/Support/helpers.php"
    ]
}

Then, just create a PHP file at app/Support/helpers.php. I create and use a Support directory in my app, sort of to march the convention used my the framework. You're free to place it wherever you like, even just app/helpers.php if that's what floats your boat.