CakePhp: On the fly associations using a re-named Model field?

Question

Hi there,

I'm trying to use on the fly associations to trim down the data I retrieve, but the model I'm using is associated to other models with a re-named field because I have 2 of the same models associated with it.

So, here's the model, say 'test', that has two 'user' fields, both related to the User model.

In the model:

  var $belongsTo = array( 
    'User' => array(
        'className' => 'User',
        'foreignKey' => 'user_id' 
    ),
    'User_Watched' => array(
        'className' => 'User',
        'foreignKey' => 'user_id_watched' 
    )
);

When I retrieve data related to 'test', I want to only retrieve particular data linked to the 'User' and 'User_Watched' fields without any other nested information.

But when I do:

 $this->User->unbindModel(array('hasMany' => array('something1', 'something2')), false);

then something1 and something2 data does not show up for the 'User' field of model 'test', but is still retrieved for the 'User_watched' field.

Can I not retrieve unwanted data for the 'User_watched' field?

Hope this makes sense... :)

Answer 1

Hello KcYxA,

to use on the fly associations to trim down the data I retrieve

Good idea.

'foreignKey' => 'user_id_watched' 

should possibly be:

'foreignKey' => 'user_watched_id'.

Kind regards, Benjamin.

Edit 1: At least this would make sense according to my current understanding. If user_id is a correct foreign key(FK), which cakephp uses to unbind the relations, but user_id_watched isn't, than your described behavior is explained.

Edit 2: The Containable behavior gives you another tool for controlling associated models.

Answer 2

KcYxA,

Containable behavior might help a lot in this case, as benjamin mentioned, your "find" queries would look like:

$this->User->find('first', array(
      'conditions' => array('User.id' => $id),
      'contain'    => array('UserWatched')
    ));

In this case, you won't have to use unbindModel method. In this example, you'll get User and UserWatched data. If you need only User data from "find", then tell Cake to "$this->User->contain();" so it won't go further then User model.