Laravel Eloquent

Priority: P0 (CRITICAL)

Workflow: Add a Model with Safe Queries

1. Define model — Set $fillable, $casts, and relationships.
2. Enable strict loading — Call preventLazyLoading(!app()->isProduction()) in AppServiceProvider.
3. Add scopes — Create scopeActive(), scopeVerified() for reusable filters.
4. Eager-load in queries — Use with() for all relationship access.
5. Process large datasets — Use chunk() or cursor() instead of get().

Scope + Eager Loading Example

See implementation examples for model scopes, eager loading, and directory structure.

Implementation Guidelines

Query Efficiency & Performance

• N+1 Prevention: Always use with() or $with for relationships. Never access relationship properties in a loop without eager loading (N+1 Prevention).
• Strict Loading: Call Eloquent::preventLazyLoading(!app()->isProduction()) in AppServiceProvider::boot() to throw LazyLoadingViolationException in local/dev.
• Large Datasets: Use chunk(), lazy(), or cursor() for processing many records without memory issues (Memory Efficiency).

Query Logic & Scopes

• Reusable Scopes: Define scopeName(Builder $query): Builder methods in models for reusable query filters.
• Chaining: Chain scopes (e.g., User::active()->verified()->get()) to keep controllers from duplicating query logic.

Models & Security

• Mass Assignment: Always define protected $fillable array; use $request->validated() for Model::create().
• Casting: Use protected $casts for dates, JSON, and custom types to ensure data consistency.

Anti-Patterns

• No lazy loading: Eager-load with with() or $with; never in loops.
• No business logic in Models: Move to Services or Actions.
• No raw SQL strings: Use Query Builder or Eloquent methods.
• No select *: Specify required columns to limit data transfer.

References

• Eloquent Performance Guide