[11.x]Add fluent helper to initialize pipeline processing

[Prem-Thakkar]

This PR introduces the flow() helper, which sets the object to be processed through the pipeline. It provides a fluent syntax to streamline the use of Laravel's pipeline feature.

Helper Function:

flow($passable) sets the initial object for pipeline processing.

Usage:

flow($data)
    ->through([...])
    ->thenReturn();

[github-actions]

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[shaedrich]

How did you come up with the naming? I would have expected it to be pipeline() or the like 🤔

[taylorotwell]

Like the naming, but not sure I want to add it to the core. Cool to define in your own project though!

[Prem-Thakkar]

How did you come up with the naming? I would have expected it to be pipeline() or the like 🤔

Totally get why pipeline() makes sense—it’s the obvious choice! But thinking about how pipelines work, I felt 'flow' was a better fit. It’s like data flowing through transformations, making it feel more intuitive. Plus, it’s snappier and easier to visualize.

[shaedrich]

I honestly like the word "flow". I just couldn't associate with enough with pipelines specifically. But thanks for explaining 👍🏻

[Prem-Thakkar]

Like the naming, but not sure I want to add it to the core. Cool to define in your own project though!

Thanks for the feedback, Taylor! Totally get it, and I really appreciate you taking the time to review the PR. Glad you liked the naming! 🙌 Thanks again for everything you do for the community.