Optimizing the Framework for Better Performance

$ php artisan optimize

This will generate an optimized class loader.

If you're testing and Config::get('app.debug') is true, then you must use the --force option to force the class loader to be created.

$ php artisan optimize --force

If your application has classes that are frequently used, you can add your own classes to the optimization process.

Just edit app/config/compile.php and add the filenames of your own classes in.

<?php
return array(
    'app\MyApp\Respostitory\PeopleInterface.php',
    'app\MyApp\Reposititory\DatabasePeople.php',
    'app\MyApp\Controllers\HomeController.php',
);
?>

Optimization creates a single file (bootstrap/compiled.php) containing all the classes with the comments removed.

One caveat about adding your own classes

If you're using namespaces, be sure and use any classes at the top of your files. Failure to do so can generate errors.

For instance, let's say you have a controller class you're putting in the compiled list for optimizaton.

<?php namespace MyApp\Controllers;

class HomeController extends \Controller {
    ...
}
?>

This file will generate an error. This is because of multiple namespaces in the single, optimized file. If you add use Controller; then there won't be an issue.

<?php namespace MyApp\Controllers;

use Controller;

class HomeController extends Controller {
    ...
}
?>

Notice the differences?