Support Array Body Parameters in HTTP Methods

[elwafa]

Currently, the Step class's HTTP methods (POST, PUT, PATCH) only accept string body parameters. This feature request proposes changing these methods to accept array parameters instead, with automatic conversion to the appropriate string format based on the Content-Type header.

// Current approach requires manual conversion
$data = ['name' => 'John', 'age' => 30];
$step->header('Content-Type', 'application/json')
    ->post('http://example.com', json_encode($data));

The solution

Change the body parameter in HTTP methods to accept arrays instead of strings, with automatic conversion based on the Content-Type header:

// Proposed solution
$step->header('Content-Type', 'application/json')
    ->post('http://example.com', [
        'name' => 'John',
        'age' => 30
    ]);

// For form data
$step->header('Content-Type', 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded')
    ->post('http://example.com', [
        'username' => 'john_doe',
        'password' => 'secret'
    ]);

The conversion would be handled automatically:

• application/json → JSON encoded string
• application/x-www-form-urlencoded → URL-encoded query string
• Default to JSON if no Content-Type is specified

Alternative

1. Create separate methods for different content types (postJson, postForm, etc.)
2. Accept both string and array parameters using union types
3. Add a separate body formatter class/trait

Additional context

This would be a breaking change for existing code that passes string bodies directly. Implementation would require updates to:

• src/Step.php
• Associated test files
• Documentation

[elwafa]

I've decided to go with the alternative approach of accepting both string and array parameters using union types. This ensures flexibility—developers can pass a raw JSON string when needed or simply provide an array, with automatic conversion based on the Content-Type header.

This approach avoids breaking changes while still improving usability. I'll proceed with updating Step.php, test files, and documentation accordingly.