FAQ

What is fast-forward/http ?

It is the aggregate HTTP package of the Fast Forward ecosystem. It installs the HTTP client and factory packages and exposes them through one provider, HttpServiceProvider .

Do I need a framework to use it?

No. The package is a library-level building block. You can use it in a small script, a custom application bootstrap, or a larger framework-style architecture.

Which PHP version do I need?

You need PHP 8.3 or newer. See Compatibility.

What is the difference between PSR-7, PSR-17, and PSR-18?

PSR-7 defines HTTP message objects, PSR-17 defines factories that create those objects, and PSR-18 defines the client interface used to send requests. The overview on FastForward HTTP introduces them in plain language.

Why are there two ResponseFactoryInterface types?

Psr\Http\Message\ResponseFactoryInterface is the plain PSR-17 factory. FastForward\Http\Message\Factory\ResponseFactoryInterface is the Fast Forward convenience factory that adds helpers for JSON, HTML, text, redirects, and empty responses.

How do I get the current incoming request?

Request Psr\Http\Message\ServerRequestInterface from the container. It is created from PHP globals. See Server Requests.

When should I use ServerRequestCreatorInterface instead?

Use it when you want to control exactly when the request is built from globals, or when you need to call fromGlobals() yourself in a more explicit bootstrap flow.

How do I send an outbound HTTP request?

Request Psr\Http\Client\ClientInterface and build a request with Psr\Http\Message\RequestFactoryInterface . See HTTP Client.

How do I create JSON or redirect responses quickly?

Request FastForward\Http\Message\Factory\ResponseFactoryInterface and use createResponseFromPayload() or createResponseRedirect() . See Responses and Streams.

Can I replace the default HTTP client or factories?

Yes. Register your own service provider before HttpServiceProvider so your identifiers are resolved first. See Customization.

Do I have to use the full metapackage?

No. You can register HttpMessageFactoryServiceProvider or HttpClientServiceProvider on their own when you only need part of the stack.

Why does ServerRequestInterface look wrong in tests or CLI commands?

Because it is built from PHP globals. In tests and CLI commands those globals may not represent a real HTTP request. Build the request manually in those environments.