Handle Hybrid API and Web Controllers with $request->expectsJson()

Use $request->expectsJson() in hybrid controllers to serve formatted JSON responses to API/AJAX requests and redirects to standard web browsers.

When building controllers shared between traditional Blade views and AJAX/Inertia/API clients (such as login, search, or deletion endpoints), branching based on client request headers is standard practice.

$request->expectsJson() inspects Accept and X-Requested-With headers automatically.

Hybrid Controller Action

use App\Models\Post;
use Illuminate\Http\Request;

public function destroy(Request $request, Post $post)
{
    $post->delete();

    // If client requested JSON (API / AJAX / Mobile app)
    if ($request->expectsJson()) {
        return response()->json([
            'success' => true,
            'message' => 'Post deleted successfully.',
        ]);
    }

    // Standard web browser form submission
    return to_route('posts.index')
        ->with('success', 'Post deleted.');
}

What expectsJson() Inspects

• Checks if the Accept header contains application/json.
• Checks if the request is an AJAX call via X-Requested-With: XMLHttpRequest.

Summary

• Reusable pattern for multi-channel hybrid controllers.
• Eliminates duplicate controller actions for web and API endpoints.
• Built-in to all Laravel request instances.