method()) { // Brand new case 'POST': { $rules['name'] = "required|unique:custom_fields"; break; } // Save all fields case 'PUT': $rules['name'] = "required"; break; // Save only what's passed case 'PATCH': { $rules['name'] = "required"; break; } default:break; } $rules['custom_format'] = 'valid_regex'; return $rules; } }