Full-Stack Modernization for Government Platform

Laravel Vite.js Vue.js PHP JavaScript MySQL Bootstrap

This project demonstrates the value of modernizing frameworks and build tooling. Working with Horrible Brands and Deloitte, we upgraded to Laravel 12, migrated to Vite.js, refactored Vue.js components, and enhanced complex forms and data processing capabilities.

THE CHALLENGE

Following previous successful upgrades, the government institution required comprehensive modernization of their framework, database, and build system. This project focused on upgrading to Laravel 12, migrating from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, migrating from Laravel Mix to Vite.js, refactoring Vue.js components, and enhancing complex website forms and data packaging scripts.

Upgrading Laravel framework to Laravel 12 while maintaining zero downtime and ensuring all functionality remains intact
Migrating database from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, ensuring data integrity and compatibility with Laravel 12
Migrating from Laravel Mix to Vite.js while maintaining zero downtime and ensuring all assets compile correctly
Refactoring Vue.js components to work with the new build system and modern Vue.js patterns
Updating PHP and JavaScript packages to versions compatible with Laravel 12 and Vite.js
Implementing updates for complex website forms to ensure functionality and user experience
Enhancing data packaging scripts for improved performance and reliability
Ensuring continued compliance with government-grade security standards throughout the upgrade and migration

This project required careful planning to ensure seamless upgrade to Laravel 12, database migration from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, and migration from Laravel Mix to Vite.js while refactoring Vue.js components and updating complex forms and data processing scripts.

THE RESULTS

After 5 months of dedicated effort, the project delivered outstanding results:

Framework Upgrade: Successfully upgraded to Laravel 12 with zero downtime, accessing latest features and security improvements
Database Migration: Successfully migrated from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, ensuring data integrity and improved performance
Successful Migration: Successfully migrated build system from Laravel Mix to Vite.js with zero downtime and improved build performance
Modernized Components: Refactored Vue.js components to align with modern patterns and improved maintainability
Enhanced Forms: Implemented updates for complex website forms, improving functionality and user experience
Optimized Scripts: Enhanced data packaging scripts for improved performance and reliability
Package Updates: Updated PHP and JavaScript packages to versions compatible with Laravel 12 and Vite.js, ensuring security and modern features
Seamless Collaboration: Worked effectively with Horrible Brands and Deloitte teams to ensure smooth project delivery

OUR ROLE

As the Lead Developer, our team managed the Laravel 12 upgrade, build system migration, and component refactoring, ensuring smooth execution and maintaining system reliability. We worked closely with Horrible Brands and Deloitte's teams to coordinate the upgrade and migration, ensuring seamless transition.

PROJECT DETAILS

Date: December 2025
Duration: 5 months
Team Size: Weesite Lead Developer + Horrible Brands Technical Director + Deloitte DevOps Team
Category: Government
Partners: Ardmore Digital • Horrible Brands • Deloitte

PLANNING & ASSESSMENT

Conducted comprehensive analysis of existing Laravel version, MySQL database, and Laravel Mix configuration
Assessed codebase compatibility with Laravel 12 and MySQL 8, identifying upgrade requirements
Evaluated database schema and queries for MySQL 8 compatibility and optimization opportunities
Evaluated Vue.js components and identified refactoring requirements for Vite.js compatibility
Created detailed upgrade and migration roadmap in collaboration with Horrible Brands and Deloitte teams
Identified complex forms and data packaging scripts requiring updates

FRAMEWORK & DATABASE UPGRADE

Upgraded Laravel framework to Laravel 12, ensuring all core functionality remained intact
Migrated database from MySQL 5 to MySQL 8, ensuring data integrity and compatibility
Updated database queries and configurations to align with MySQL 8 requirements and best practices
Updated Laravel-specific code patterns and configurations to align with Laravel 12 requirements
Resolved compatibility issues and ensured all features function correctly after upgrade

BUILD SYSTEM MIGRATION

Migrated build configuration from Laravel Mix to Vite.js, ensuring all assets compile correctly
Updated webpack configuration to Vite.js configuration, optimizing build performance
Configured asset bundling and hot module replacement for improved development workflow
Ensured production builds maintain the same functionality and performance standards

VUE.JS COMPONENT REFACTORING

Refactored Vue.js components to work seamlessly with Vite.js build system
Updated component imports and module resolution to align with Vite.js patterns
Modernized Vue.js component structure and improved code maintainability
Ensured all components function correctly after migration

FORMS & DATA PACKAGING UPDATES

Implemented updates for complex website forms, ensuring functionality and improved user experience
Enhanced data packaging scripts for improved performance and reliability
Updated form validation and data processing logic to work with new build system
Tested and validated all form submissions and data packaging workflows

PACKAGE UPDATES & TESTING

Updated PHP and JavaScript packages to versions compatible with Laravel 12 and Vite.js
Resolved compatibility issues and ensured all dependencies work correctly with the upgraded framework and build system
Conducted thorough testing to ensure all features function correctly after upgrade and migration
Validated security compliance and ensured all government-grade security standards were maintained

DEPLOYMENT & MONITORING

Executed zero-downtime deployment using Deloitte's existing CI/CD pipelines
Monitored build performance and system stability post-deployment in coordination with Deloitte's DevOps team
Provided documentation and support for the new build system and refactored components

TECHNOLOGIES USED

WHY THIS MATTERS

This project demonstrates the importance of modernizing frameworks and build tooling. By upgrading to Laravel 12, migrating to Vite.js, and refactoring Vue.js components in collaboration with Horrible Brands and Deloitte, we ensure government systems remain modern, performant, and maintainable while improving developer experience and build performance.

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