How to Build a Data Filter Feature in Laravel

Data filtering and searching is a very common need in web applications — from product filters in e-commerce to report searches in management systems. In Laravel, there are several ways to implement it, from the simplest to the most structured. This article will teach you a clean, easily extensible data filter pattern that doesn't clutter the controller.

The Simple Approach: Filter Directly in the Controller

The most basic way is to use conditionals in the query builder. Suitable for filters that aren't too numerous:

<?php

namespace App\Http\Controllers;

use App\Models\Product;
use Illuminate\Http\Request;

class ProductController extends Controller
{
    public function index(Request $request)
    {
        $query = Product::query();

        // Filter by name (search)
        if ($request->filled('search')) {
            $query->where('name', 'like', '%' . $request->search . '%');
        }

        // Filter by category
        if ($request->filled('category_id')) {
            $query->where('category_id', $request->category_id);
        }

        // Filter by price range
        if ($request->filled('min_price')) {
            $query->where('price', '>=', $request->min_price);
        }
        if ($request->filled('max_price')) {
            $query->where('price', '<=', $request->max_price);
        }

        // Sorting
        $sortBy  = $request->get('sort_by', 'created_at');
        $sortDir = $request->get('sort_dir', 'desc');
        $allowedSorts = ['name', 'price', 'created_at'];

        if (in_array($sortBy, $allowedSorts)) {
            $query->orderBy($sortBy, $sortDir === 'asc' ? 'asc' : 'desc');
        }

        $products = $query->paginate(15)->withQueryString();

        return view('products.index', compact('products'));
    }
}

Creating the Filter Form in Blade

<form method="GET" action="{{ route('products.index') }}">
    <input type="text" name="search" value="{{ request('search') }}" placeholder="Search products...">

    <select name="category_id">
        <option value="">All Categories</option>
        @foreach($categories as $cat)
            <option value="{{ $cat->id }}" {{ request('category_id') == $cat->id ? 'selected' : '' }}>
                {{ $cat->name }}
            </option>
        @endforeach
    </select>

    <input type="number" name="min_price" value="{{ request('min_price') }}" placeholder="Min price">
    <input type="number" name="max_price" value="{{ request('max_price') }}" placeholder="Max price">

    <button type="submit">Filter</button>
    <a href="{{ route('products.index') }}">Reset</a>
</form>

Use withQueryString() on the paginator so the filter parameters persist when moving between pages.

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This is only part of the article. For the full discussion, with examples and step-by-step details, you can read it on the original source:

How to Build a Data Filter Feature in Laravel

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