Laravel is a free and open-source PHP web framework originally created by Taylor Otwell in 2011. This framework offers developers an elegant syntax, advanced tools for building web applications, and an MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern that makes code organization easier.
In this article, we are going to talk about the process of updating data in Laravel directly with a query. We will explore some advanced techniques and features of Laravel's query builder that make the updating of data an intuitive and easy process.
Why Update Data with a Query?
Updates with a query are generally faster than using an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for updating data. This is because ORM's need to maintain an object graph of all the data they are working with, and updates require modifying the entire graph. With queries, on the other hand, you only need to write a single update statement, which is executed directly at the database level, making the process of updating much faster.
Another advantage of using queries is that they are more flexible than ORM. Queries give developers more control over what they want to update and how they want to update it, which helps to prevent unintended side-effects.
Update Data in Laravel with a Query
Before we begin our exploration of updating data with a query, be sure to create a new Laravel project. We will use this project for our code examples.
In Laravel, the query builder is the go-to tool for working with databases. It provides an elegant syntax for building SQL queries, and it abstracts some of the lower-level details of working with databases. Laravel uses the Fluent Query Builder as the core database system, and this is what we will be using in our examples.
We will use a simple database table for our examples, with the following schema:
Schema::create('users', function (Blueprint $table) {
$table->id();
$table->string('name');
$table->string('email')->unique();
$table->timestamp('email_verified_at')->nullable();
$table->string('password');
$table->rememberToken();
$table->timestamps();
});
Here, we have a table with five columns, including an auto-incrementing ID column. We will use this table for our examples.
Now that we have our database set up, let's look at how to update data with a query.
The update() Method
The update() method is used to update records in a given table using the provided column and value pairs. This method accepts an array of column and value pairs, and it updates all records that match the criteria. The syntax of the update() method is as follows:
DB::table('users')
->where('name', 'John Doe')
->update(['votes' => 1]);
In this code snippet, we are updating the votes column of all records where the name column is equal to "John Doe". We are setting the value of the votes column to 1.
The update() method returns the number of affected rows or zero if no rows were updated.
Updating Multiple Columns
To update multiple columns in a table, we can simply provide an array of column and value pairs for the update() method. Here's an example:
DB::table('users')
->where('name', 'John Doe')
->update(['votes' => 1, 'title' => 'Admin']);
In this code snippet, we are updating both the votes and title columns of all records where the name column is equal to "John Doe". We are setting the value of the votes column to 1 and the value of the title column to "Admin".
Using Subqueries
Subqueries in Laravel are queries within queries. They are used to retrieve data from a table using complex criteria. Laravel supports subqueries in queries through the use of the selectSub() method.
Here's an example of how to use subqueries to update data in Laravel:
DB::table('users')
->whereIn('account_id', function ($query) {
$query->select('id')
->from('accounts')
->where('activated', 1);
})
->update(['votes' => 1]);
In this code snippet, we are updating the votes column of all records where the account_id is in the result of the subquery. The subquery selects all the activated accounts from the accounts table and returns their IDs.
Using Joins with Update
Joins in Laravel allow you to combine data from multiple tables. Joins are used to relate rows from two or more tables based on a related column between them. Updating data using a join in Laravel involves the use of the join() method.
Here's an example of how to use joins to update data in Laravel:
DB::table('users')
->join('contacts', 'users.id', '=', 'contacts.user_id')
->where('contacts.type', '=', 'email')
->update(['users.likes' => 1]);
In this code snippet, we are updating the likes column of all records where the contacts type column is equal to "email". We join the users table with the contacts table where the users.id column is equal to the contacts.user_id column.
Conclusion
In conclusion, updating data with a query in Laravel is a fast and flexible way to update data in a database. Laravel's query builder provides an intuitive and elegant syntax for building SQL queries, and it abstracts some of the lower-level details of working with databases. With the techniques and features we have explored in this article, you can now update data in Laravel with the confidence that you are using the best practices and efficient methods.
let's explore each topic in more detail.
The update() Method
The update() method is one of the most commonly used methods in Laravel's query builder. It is used to update records in a database table. The update() method accepts two arguments.
The first argument is the name of the table that you want to update. You can use the table() method to specify the name of the table. Here's an example:
DB::table('users')
The second argument is an array of column and value pairs that you want to update. Each key in the array represents the column name, and each value represents the new value that you want to set. Here's an example:
->update(['votes' => 1]);
In this example, we are updating the 'votes' column of the 'users' table to the value of 1. You can update multiple columns at once by passing multiple key-value pairs in the array.
After you call the update() method, Laravel will execute the SQL update statement and return the number of rows affected.
Updating Multiple Columns
Updating multiple columns with the update() method is easy. All you need to do is pass an array with multiple key-value pairs in the update() method.
DB::table('users')
->where('name', 'John Doe')
->update(['votes' => 1, 'title' => 'Admin']);
In this example, we are updating the 'votes' and 'title' columns of the 'users' table to the values of 1 and 'Admin', respectively.
Using Subqueries
Subqueries in Laravel are queries that are embedded within another query. They are very useful when you want to retrieve data from a table using complex criteria. With subqueries, you can filter data from a table based on values in another table.
Laravel provides two ways to use subqueries:
- Using the selectSub() method
- Using a closure function
Here's an example of how to use a subquery with the selectSub() method:
DB::table('users')
->whereIn('account_id', function ($query) {
$query->select('id')
->from('accounts')
->where('activated', 1);
})
->update(['votes' => 1]);
In this example, we are using a subquery to select all the account IDs from the 'accounts' table where the 'activated' column is equal to 1. we are then selecting all the 'users' that have an 'account_id' that is included in the subquery result, and we update their 'votes' column to 1.
Using Joins with Update
In Laravel, you can use joins to combine data from multiple tables. Joins are especially useful when you want to update data in one table based on values in another table. You can use the join() method to join two or more tables in a query.
Here's an example of how to update data in one table based on values in another table:
DB::table('users')
->join('contacts', 'users.id', '=', 'contacts.user_id')
->where('contacts.type', '=', 'email')
->update(['users.likes' => 1]);
In this example, we are joining the 'users' table with the 'contacts' table where the 'users.id' column is equal to the 'contacts.user_id' column. We then update all the 'users' that have a 'contacts.type' of 'email'. We set their 'likes' column to 1.
Conclusion
Updating data with a query in Laravel can be faster and more flexible than using an ORM. Laravel's query builder provides an easy-to-use syntax for building SQL queries and abstracts some low-level details of working with databases. With the techniques and examples provided in this article, you can update data in Laravel with confidence and efficiency. The update() method, subqueries, and joins are powerful tools in Laravel's query builder that can help you write clean, concise, and efficient queries.
Popular questions
- What is the update() method used for in Laravel's query builder?
The update() method in Laravel's query builder is used to update records in a database table. It accepts two arguments: the name of the table that you want to update and an array of column and value pairs that you want to update.
- Can you update multiple columns at once using the update() method in Laravel?
Yes, you can update multiple columns at once using the update() method in Laravel. All you need to do is pass an array with multiple key-value pairs in the update() method.
- How are subqueries used in Laravel for updating data with a query?
Subqueries in Laravel are used to filter data from a table based on values in another table. Laravel provides two ways to use subqueries: using the selectSub() method or using a closure function. You can use a subquery in the where() method to select data from another table based on a condition.
- What are joins, and how are they used in Laravel for updating data with a query?
Joins in Laravel are used to combine data from multiple tables. You can use joins to update data in one table based on values in another table. You can use the join() method to join two or more tables in a query, and then use the where() method to specify the condition for the join.
- What are some advantages of updating data with a query over using an ORM in Laravel?
Updating data with a query in Laravel is generally faster than using an ORM because ORM's need to maintain an object graph of all the data they are working with, and updates require modifying the entire graph. With queries, on the other hand, you only need to write a single update statement, which is executed directly at the database level, making the process of updating much faster. Additionally, queries provide more flexibility and control over what you want to update and how you want to update it.
Tag
"Update-Q"
