Laravel Queues allow background processing of tasks like emails, notifications, and image processing. Choosing the right driver depends on performance needs and project scale.
Step 1: Enable queues in
.env by setting:
QUEUE_CONNECTION=database or
redis
Step 2: Database Driver
Stores jobs in a
jobs table. Easy to set up and works on shared hosting.
Step 3: Create jobs table with:
php artisan queue:table && php artisan migrate
Step 4: Redis Driver
Much faster than DB. Ideal for real-time or high-volume jobs. Requires Redis server installed.
Step 5: Install Redis via:
composer require predis/predis or use PHP extension.
Step 6: Queue a job using:
dispatch(new SendEmailJob($user))
Step 7: Start the worker:
php artisan queue:work
Step 8: Horizon is Laravel's dashboard for Redis queues. Offers monitoring, retry, stats, and auto-scaling.
Step 9: Install Horizon:
composer require laravel/horizon
Step 10: Publish config:
php artisan horizon:install and run
php artisan horizon
Step 11: Access dashboard at:
/horizon (setup route/middleware)
Step 12: Horizon provides worker monitoring, failed jobs, retry buttons, and tagging support.
Step 13: For production, run Horizon via:
php artisan horizon with process monitor like Supervisor.
Step 14: Use DB for small apps.
Redis for speed.
Horizon for full visibility and control.
Step 15: Always monitor failed jobs using:
php artisan queue:failed and
queue:retry