API Routing in Laravel 11: Missing routes/api.php File (Solved)

Problem Statement

When upgrading to Laravel 11 or starting a new project, developers discover that the routes/api.php file is missing in the standard installation. This prevents API route registration for React.js/Vue.js frontends or mobile applications needing REST/JSON endpoints. Unlike previous Laravel versions, this file is no longer included by default.

Solution: Enabling API Routes

Primary Method: Artisan Command

Laravel 11 introduces a modular structure requiring explicit API route installation:

1. Run the Laravel installer command:

   php artisan install:api

2. This creates:

   • routes/api.php route file
   • Basic API route example inside the file

3. Verify registration in bootstrap/app.php:

   return Application::configure(basePath: dirname(__DIR__))
       ->withRouting(
           api: __DIR__ . '/../routes/api.php',
           // ...
       )

   The api: line must exist after running the command.

Alternative Method: Manual Configuration (For Modified Projects)

If you modified bootstrap/app.php (e.g., using starter kits like Breeze), add this inside withRouting():

->withRouting(
    using: function () {
        // Web routes (existing)
        Route::middleware('web')
            ->group(base_path('routes/web.php'));

        // Add API routes manually
        Route::middleware('api')
            ->prefix('api')
            ->group(base_path('routes/api.php'));
    },
)

---

Common Issues & Fixes

1. Routes Not Loading After Installation

Check bootstrap/app.php contains the API path:

->withRouting(
    api: __DIR__ . '/../routes/api.php',
    // ...
)

2. File Permissions (Docker/Linux)

If using Laravel Sail or Docker:

# Access container as root
docker exec -u 0 -it container-name bash

# Fix permissions
chmod -R 777 /var/www/html/routes/

3. Route Caching (Production)

After creating api.php:

php artisan route:clear

---

Best Practices

1. Prefer Artisan Command: Use php artisan install:api unless you have custom routing needs
2. Middleware Configuration: Verify your api middleware group in app/Http/Kernel.php
3. Route Prefix: Default API routes use /api prefix (adjust in routes/api.php)
4. Testing: Verify routes with:

   php artisan route:list

Example route test (routes/api.php):

Route::get('/test', function () {
    return response()->json(['status' => 'API connected']);
});

Access at: http://your-app.test/api/test

---

Key Changes in Laravel 11

• Slimmed default installation
• Optional features added via Artisan commands
• Improved performance for non-API applications
• Clearer separation between web and API routes

⚠️ Avoid manually creating api.php without registering it in bootstrap/app.php - your routes won't load.

💡 Run installations through Laravel Sail if using Docker: sail artisan install:api instead of php artisan install:api.