v2.12.0

Composer Autoloading Migration

Migrates CakePHP framework from include-path to Composer classmap autoloading, removing 798+ App::uses() declarations from framework classes while maintaining backward compatibility.

What Changed

• Removed all App::uses() declarations from CakePHP framework classes (798 occurrences)
• Framework classes are now automatically loaded via Composer's classmap autoloader
• Application classes can be automatically loaded by configuring Composer classmap autoloading in composer.json
• Maintained App::uses() only for framework classes that extend application classes (AppController, AppModel, AppShell, AppHelper) to ensure backward compatibility

Benefits

• Simplifies class loading mechanism
• Improves compatibility with modern PHP tooling
• Reduces framework code complexity
• Enables gradual migration path for applications

Backward Compatibility

• Legacy applications using app/ directory structure continue to work without changes
• Framework's remaining App::uses() calls for application base classes ensure compatibility
• Plugins continue to use App::uses() as before

Migration Path

• Modern projects (src/): Add classmap autoloading to composer.json (see pieceofcake2/app)
• Legacy projects (app/): No action required - works automatically
• See UPGRADE.md for detailed migration instructions

Files Changed

• 338 files modified
• 1,515 deletions (removed App::uses() declarations)
• 476 insertions (documentation, error handling improvements)

Full Changelog

See CHANGELOG.md for complete list of changes.