[11.x] feature/add_coalesce_function

[rmunate]

Hello devs,

I propose adding the COALESCE function to Laravel, which would be an excellent addition. COALESCE is a standard SQL tool widely used across different databases like Oracle, MySQL, and others. By integrating it into Laravel, it helps maintain clean and understandable code for developers familiar with standard SQL. Adding COALESCE to Laravel would enhance the development experience by adhering to recognized standards and simplifying the handling of null data in our queries.

$value = coalesce($var1, $var2, $var3, ....);

[henzeb]

Interesting, I suggest support for callbacks using value() helper.

[PerryvanderMeer]

What are the benefits of this above $var1 ?? $var2 ?? $var3?

[rmunate]

What are the benefits of this above $var1 ?? $var2 ?? $var3?

Hi Perry,

I hope you're doing well. Regarding your question, it primarily comes down to readability and the use of standard concepts. Just as we use standard terms in SQL, applying the same naming conventions and understanding their usage fosters standardization. Similarly, the ?? operator is perfectly fine for achieving an equivalent result.

[taylorotwell]

Thanks for your pull request to Laravel!

Unfortunately, I'm going to delay merging this code for now. To preserve our ability to adequately maintain the framework, we need to be very careful regarding the amount of code we include.

If applicable, please consider releasing your code as a package so that the community can still take advantage of your contributions!