Fix: Class not found in Laravel error PHP fix

The ‘Class not found’ error in Laravel occurs when PHP cannot locate a class due to incorrect namespaces, missing autoloader, or typos in class references.

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How the Error Happens

❌ Error Scenario:

<?php
// ❌ This causes the error
use App\Services\NonExistentService;

class HomeController extends Controller {
    public function index() {
        $service = new NonExistentService(); // Fatal error: Class not found
    }
}
?>

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✅ Quick Fix - Resolve Class Loading Issues

Solution 1: Regenerate Autoloader

# ✅ Clear and regenerate autoloader
composer dump-autoload

# ✅ Or with optimization
composer dump-autoload --optimize

Solution 2: Check Namespace and File Location

<?php
// ✅ Ensure correct namespace matches file location
// File: app/Services/UserService.php
namespace App\Services;

class UserService {
    public function getUsers() {
        // Implementation
    }
}
?>

<?php
// ✅ Correctly import the class
use App\Services\UserService;

class UserController extends Controller {
    public function index() {
        $userService = new UserService();
    }
}
?>

Solution 3: Use Laravel Artisan to Create Classes

# ✅ Generate classes with correct structure
php artisan make:service UserService
php artisan make:model User --migration
php artisan make:controller UserController

Solution 4: Check Class Reference Spelling

<?php
// ❌ Wrong spelling
use App\Services\UserServce; // Typo in 'UserService'

// ✅ Correct spelling
use App\Services\UserService;
?>

Solution 5: Clear Laravel Cache

# ✅ Clear all caches
php artisan config:clear
php artisan cache:clear
php artisan route:clear
php artisan view:clear

# ✅ Or clear all at once
php artisan optimize:clear