Idea to update / fill only missing values of a model ($model->updateMissing(...))

[LTKort]

Hi,

I was wondering if there are any options regarding updating a model, but only fill the fields of that exists on the model and that do not have a existing value.

So for example I have user model that has these fields;

id	first_name	last_name	email
1		Kort	lars@marshmallow.dev

And I have an array like;

 $form_data = [
    'first_name' => 'Lars',
    'last_name' => 'Ananas',
    'phone_number' => '1234567890',
];

My goal is to only update the first_name field, since that is the only one empty.

If I call the $user->update($form_data) function with the data, it will overwrite the last_name & give an error on phone_number.
Which I don't want, but I can not find any function for this in the docs.

So if there is no easy solution, I prose a function like $user->updateMissing($form_data).
Which will check if the attributes exists in the model & updates only the values of the empty keys.

/**
 * Update only the missing values of the model in the database.
 *
 * @param  array  $attributes
 * @param  array  $options
 * @return bool
 */
public function updateMissing(array $attributes = [], array $options = []
{
    if (!$this->exists) {
        return false;
    }

    $attributes = collect($attributes)
        ->filter(fn ($value, $key) => Arr::has($this->attributesToArray(), $key)) // Removes non-existing keys
        ->reject(fn ($value, $key) => filled($this->$key)) // Removes keys that are already filled
        ->toArray();

    if (empty($attributes)) {
        return false;
    }

    return $this->fill($attributes)->save($options);
}

This function works for me, optional is an extra parameter / function to call it quietly.
Or should this be like an optional parameter in the update function?

Is the above function something I could propose as a PR?
If so, are there someone that can help me with the tests I should write?
If not, why not?

Thanks for your help!
;-)

[henzeb]

I'd say also add a fillMissing, without the save. That way you don't have to clutter the method with a saveQuietly

[WendellAdriel]

This seems a nice addition!
If you’re going to work on that I can help you with the tests if you want!

[WendellAdriel]

@LTKort
For the testUpdateMissing I would assert the value is 'Mr.' instead of only asserting is not empty for the title. Also, it would be better to use dummy values like John Doe or something instead of your username.

For the functions, I think this is the correct place since the fill and update functions are also in this file!

[LTKort]

@WendellAdriel Thanks, I changed the values & changed the assertNotEmpty to assertSame

[WendellAdriel]

I think it's pretty good @LTKort!!!
Amazing work there, a really cool addition!

[LTKort]

Thanks for your help & input @WendellAdriel, fingers crossed it will be reviewed (& merged) soon 😄

[WendellAdriel]

I hope so @LTKort 🤞🏼

[stefvanesch]

Very nice addition!