tap() returns the original value, allowing side-effect operations to be performed without interrupting chain calls; 1. Used to save the model and return instances, such as tap(new User([...]))->save(); 2. Modify the object while maintaining chain calls, such as tap($user)->update(['active' => false]); 3. Record intermediate values during debugging, such as tap(...)->toArray(); it always returns the original value rather than the callback result, is suitable for objects, arrays, or basic types, and is ideal for processing logs, events, or save operations.
The tap
helper function in Laravel is a handy utility that allows you to "tap into" a value, perform some actions on it, and then pass it along—usually as part of a method chain. It's particularly useful when you want to manipulate or inspect an object without breaking the flow of your code.

What Does tap()
Do?
tap($value, $callback)
takes two arguments:
-
$value
: The value or object you want to work with. -
$callback
: A closure (function) that receives the value as its parameter.
After the callback runs, tap()
returns the original value —not the result of the callback. This makes it perfect for side effects like logging, setting properties, or saving to the database, while still allowing method chaining.

Common Use Cases
1. Saving a Model and Returning It
You often create a model, save it, and want to return it—all in one chain.
use Illuminate\Support\Arr; use function tap; $user = tap(new User(['name' => 'Taylor', 'email' => 'taylor@example.com']))->save();
Now $user
is the saved User instance. The save()
method is called inside the tap, but the original $user
object is returned.

Alternatively, using tap
with a callback:
$user = tap(User::create(['name' => 'Taylor', 'email' => 'taylor@example.com']), function ($user) { // Do something after creation, like logging or sending a welcome email \Log::info("User created: {$user->id}"); // Maybe dispatch a job // SendWelcomeEmail::dispatch($user); });
Here, the user is created, the callback runs, and the created $user
is returned.
2. Modifying an Object Without Breaking the Chain
Say you're building a response or transforming data:
return tap($user)->update([ 'active' => false ]);
This calls update()
on the user (which might trigger a database save), but returns the $user
object itself—not the boolean result of update()
.
This is especially useful in fluent interfaces.
3. Debugging in the Middle of a Chain
You can use tap
to inspect values without stopping the flow:
return collect($users) ->where('active', 1) ->tap(function ($activeUsers) { \Log::debug('Active users:', $activeUsers->toArray()); }) ->map->displayName();
The collection is logged mid-processing, but the chain continues unaffected.
Key Points to Remember
-
tap()
returns the original value , not the callback's return value. - The callback receives the value as its only argument.
- It works with any type: objects, arrays, primitives.
- It's great for side effects (logging, events, saving) in fluent chains.
tap() vs. other helpers
Helper | Returns |
---|---|
tap($value, $callback) | Original $value |
once($callback) | Results of callback (only runs once) |
throw_if($bool, $exception) | Original boolean if false, throws if true |
tap() is unique in that it lets you "do something" and keep going. |
Bonus: tap() with Static Methods (Laravel 9)
You can also use tap
on classes with ::class
syntax in some contexts, but more commonly it's used on instances.
return tap($post, PostObserver::class . '::saving')->save();
This isn't standard—better to stick with closings unless using Laravel's built-in tap support in models.
In short, tap()
is ideal when you want to interact with a value temporarily —like saving, logging, or modifying—while keeping the original value flowing through your code. It keeps your code clean and expressive.
Basically: do something, then pass the original thing along.
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