To update records in the database, first retrieve the target record, then modify the properties and save. 1. Use find(), where() and other methods to obtain model instances; 2. Modify model attribute values; 3. Call the save() method to save changes; 4. For conditional batch updates, you can use the update() method of the query constructor; 5. Pay attention to the triggering of events and timestamps, and ensure that the fields are in $fillable or are properly verified. The whole process is simple and flexible, but input and logical dependencies need to be handled with caution.

Updating existing records in a database using Eloquent is straightforward once you understand the flow. The key is to retrieve the record, modify its attributes, and then save the changes.

Find the Record You Want to Update

Before updating anything, you need to fetch the specific record from the database. This is usually done using methods like find() , where() , or other query constraints.

For example:

 $user = User::find(1);

This gets the user with an ID of 1. If you're not sure if the record exists, consider using findOrFail() which will throw an exception if nothing is found.

Sometimes you might want to use a condition instead, like:

 $user = User::where('email', 'test@example.com')->first();

Make sure that your query actually returns a model instance before trying to update it.

Modify and Save the Model

Once you have the model instance, you can change any of its properties just like you would with a regular PHP object.

For example:

 $user->name = 'New Name';
$user->email = 'newemail@example.com';
$user->save();

Calling save() on the model persists the changes back to the database. It's important to remember that this only updates the specific fields you've changed — Eloquent doesn't overwrite unrelated columns unless told to do so (eg, by using touch() or mass assignment).

• Make sure the fields you're updating are listed in the $fillable array in your model.
• Timestamps ( updated_at ) are automatically updated when you call save() .

If you're updating multiple rows at once based on a condition without needing to process each model individually, you can also use:

 User::where('active', false)->update(['name' => 'Inactive User']);

Just keep in mind that this method doesn't fire model events or update timestamps unless you handle that manually.

Handle Mass Updates Carefully

When you want to update multiple fields at once using an array, Eloquent allows this too:

 $user->update([
    'name' => 'Jane Doe',
    'email' => 'jane@example.com'
]);

This is essentially a shortcut for setting multiple attributes and calling save() .

However:

• Be cautious with mass updates if validation or access control is involved.
• Always validate input data before passing it into update() .
• Use policies or form requests if you're accepting user input directly.

Also, note that update() can be used directly on a query builder instance:

 User::where('role', 'guest')->update(['role' => 'member']);

Again, this won't trigger model events, so consider that when designing logic that depends on them.

That's basically how you update records using Eloquent. Get the record, make your changes, and save. Whether you're updating one record or many, Eloquent gives you flexible tools to get the job done — just pay attention to when events and timestamps are triggered.

The above is the detailed content of How do I update existing records in the database using Eloquent?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!