Useful trait when quickly scaffolding an API using Laravel Fractal transformers. PHP 7.0 compatible. Can be used with `astrotomic/laravel-translatable`.

GenericTransformTrait.php

<?php

namespace App\Traits;

use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;
use Illuminate\Support\Collection;

trait GenericTransformerTrait
{
    /**
     * @param $modelOrCollection
     * @param bool $recurse
     * @param array $propsToIgnore
     *
     * @return array
     */
    public function genericTransform(
        $modelOrCollection, bool $recurse = true, array $propsToIgnore=null
    ) {
        $propsToIgnore = $propsToIgnore ?? $this->getDefaultPropsToIgnore();
        $propsToIgnore = $this->assocPropsArray($propsToIgnore);

        return $this->prepareProps($modelOrCollection, $propsToIgnore, $recurse);
    }

    /**
     * @return array
     */
    protected function getDefaultPropsToIgnore()
    {
        return [
            'created_at',
            'created_by_id',
            'updated_at',
            'updated_by_id',
            'deleted_at',
            'deleted_by_id',
        ];
    }

    /**
     * 1. Casts any collection and model to an array
     * 2. recursively runs through all properties,
     *    Removes given properties (eg. timestamps)
     *    Also keys translations by locale
     *
     * @param $items
     * @param array $propsToIgnore
     * @param bool $recurse
     * @return array
     */
    protected function prepareProps(&$items, array &$propsToIgnore, bool $recurse)
    {
        // 1. cast to array
        $wasCollection = false;
        if (is_a($items, Collection::class)) {
            /** @var Collection $items */
            $items = $items->toArray();
            $wasCollection = true;
        } elseif (is_a($items, Model::class)) {
            /** @var Model $items */
            $items = $items->toArray();
        } elseif(!is_array($items)) {
            // bail, this was not a collection, a model or an array.
            return [];
        }

        // 2. recursively loop over properties
        foreach ($items as $key => &$item) {
            // 2. bail early when we're detecting an array while not recursing
            if (is_array($item) && !$recurse) {
                unset($items[$key]);
                continue;
            }

            // 2a. recurse
            if (is_array($item) && $recurse) {
                $this->prepareProps($item, $propsToIgnore, $recurse);
            }

            // 2b. remove properties to ignore
            if (!$wasCollection && $this->shouldIgnoreProp($propsToIgnore, $key)) {
                unset($items[$key]);
                continue;
            }

            // 2c. key translations by locale, and cast to array
            if ($key === 'translations') {
                $item = collect($item)->keyBy('locale')->toArray();
            }
        }

        /** @var array $items */
        $items = $wasCollection ? array_values($items) : $items;

        // 3. return array
        return $items;
    }

    /**
     * @param $arr
     * @return array
     */
    protected function assocPropsArray(array $arr)
    {
        $mapped = [];
        foreach ($arr as $prop) {
            if(is_string($prop)) {
                $mapped[$prop] = true;
            }
        }
        return $mapped;
    }

    protected function shouldIgnoreProp(array $propsToIgnore, string $prop)
    {
        return isset($propsToIgnore[$prop]) && $propsToIgnore[$prop] === true;
    }
}