craft-null-objectlisted

# Skill: Craft Null Object > "Instead of checking for null everywhere, return an object that behaves safely." ## The Standard 1. **Null Object behaves like real object**: Same interface, safe defaults. 2. **`withDefault()` for relationships**: Laravel's built-in null object pattern. 3. **Custom Null classes for complex behavior**: When defaults need methods. ## The Anti-Patterns | ❌ Don't | ✅ Do | Why | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | `$user ? $user->name : 'Guest'` | `$user->name` with null object | Eliminate null checks | | Null checks in every template | `withDefault()` on relationship | Single source of truth | | `optional()` for everything | Null object for repeated access | `optional()` is for one-offs | ## Real-World Examples See [examples.md](examples.md).