title: Laravel: How does the query builder handle ->first()?
body: <p>How does the query builder handle <code>-&gt;first()</code>?</p>
  
  <p>Does it simply do a <code>Limit 1</code> or does it do some advanced checking to make sure if only 1 row is returned?</p>
  
  <p>In rare cases, the application may want to ensure that ONLY 1 row will be returned. Perhaps <code>-&gt;first()</code> is not the best solution?</p>
  
  <p>Any insight or direction is greatly appreciated!</p>