Step 1: Install the Package

Start by installing the package via Composer:

composer require beyondcode/laravel-comments

Step 2: Publish the Config and Migrations

Publish the config and migration files:

php artisan vendor:publish --provider="BeyondCode\Comments\CommentsServiceProvider"

Then run the migrations:

php artisan migrate

Step 3: Make Your Model Commentable

You can make any model (like Post, Product, etc.) commentable by using the HasComments trait:

use BeyondCode\Comments\Traits\HasComments;

class Post extends Model
{
    use HasComments;
}

Now your model can receive comments!

Step 4: Set Up the User Model

Make sure your User model uses the CanComment trait:

use BeyondCode\Comments\Traits\CanComment;

class User extends Authenticatable
{
    use CanComment;
}

This enables users to write comments.

Step 5: Add Comment Functionality in Controller

Let’s assume you want to let users comment on a post. Here's a simple controller method:

public function comment(Request $request, Post $post)
{
    $request->validate([
        'comment' => 'required|string|max:1000',
    ]);

    $post->comment($request->comment, auth()->user());

    return back()->with('success', 'Comment added!');
}

Step 6: Display Comments in Blade

In your post.blade.php (or wherever you're showing the post):

<h2>Comments</h2>

@foreach($post->comments as $comment)
    <div class="mb-3 p-3 border rounded">
        <strong>{{ $comment->commentator->name }}</strong> said:<br>
        {{ $comment->comment }}
        <br><small class="text-muted">{{ $comment->created_at->diffForHumans() }}</small>
    </div>
@endforeach

Step 7: Add Comment Form

@if(auth()->check())
    <form method="POST" action="{{ route('posts.comment', $post) }}">
        @csrf
        <textarea name="comment" class="form-control" rows="3" required></textarea>
        <button class="btn btn-primary mt-2">Add Comment</button>
    </form>
@else
    <p><a href="{{ route('login') }}">Log in</a> to add a comment.</p>
@endif

Optional: Moderate Comments

If you want to add moderation or approval workflows, you can customize the package further by extending the Comment model or using events such as CommentCreated.

Conclusion

Beyond Code’s Laravel Comments package makes it super easy to add rich comment features to your Laravel application. With just a few steps, you’ve got a fully working comment system!