Don't use count() if you can use exists()

If you want to check if the record exists, don't use count(). Use exists().

// If you want to just check if the record exists...
 
// Don't do this:
if (User::where('approved', '1')->count()) { // ...
 
// Do this. It's a bit faster and clear to read.
if (User::where('approved', '1')->exists()) { // ...

It's a bit faster. According to this forum post, ~25% faster.

And it's also more clear to read: the intention of checking is more obvious, then.