where to process mysql queries in codeigniter? - php

Question

Where should we process mysql queries in CodeIgniter application?
For example in a simple project we do like this :
for controller:
class Blog extends CI_Controller {
function posts(){
$data['query'] = $this->blog_model->index_posts();
$this->load->view('blog_view', $data);
}
}
and in view :
<?php
while ($post = mysql_fetch_object($query)):
?>
<div>
<p><?= $post->body; ?></p>
</div>
<?php endwhile; ?>
But, if we want to do something with body of post before print where should it be done?
For example, I want to write a function that formats the body of post and pass the body to it before doing echo.
Where should it be placed according to CoeIgniter's structure and recommended practices? (best option)
in the controller? (if so , how to use it)
in the view?
write a helper?
other approaches ?

Answer 1

Here's what is recommended:
Controller:
function posts() {
$this->load->model("blog_model");
$data['rows'] = $this->blog_model->index_posts();
$this->load->view("blog_view", $data);
}
Model: (blog_model.php)
function index_posts() {
$this->load->database();
$query = $this->db->get('your_table');
$return = array();
foreach ($query->result_array() as $line) {
$line['body'] = ... do something with the body....
$return[] = $line;
}
return $return;
}
View: (blog_view.php)
<?php foreach ($rows as $line): ?>
<div>
<p><?php echo $line['column']; ?></p>
</div>
<?php endforeach; ?>
Basically what happens is your model returns a multidimensional array that is passed the view and processed using a foreach() loop.
Good luck!

Answer 2

If you want to reuse that function create a helper. If you want this function only once put it in your controller and call from that controller.
Models are just for accessing database or maybe in few other cases, but mostly just for accessing things in database or editing, deleting etc. and sending the result to controller for further processing.
In your case I would stick with helper.
E.g. you will create a file top_mega_best_functions.php and put it inside helpers folder.
Than you write ther e.g. something like
function red_text($input) {
echo '<span style="color: red;">';
echo $input;
echo '</span>';
}
Then load the helper in your autoloader file or load before using.
And use in your view or controller like
$blablabla = "This text will be red";
red_text($blablabla);