How to perform database operations using CodeIgniter’s active record?

Performing database operations using CodeIgniter’s Active Record is a straightforward and efficient process that simplifies database interactions. Active Record provides an object-oriented approach to working with databases, making it easy to create, retrieve, update, and delete records. Here are the fundamental steps for performing database operations using CodeIgniter’s Active Record:

1. Load the Database Library: Start by loading the CodeIgniter database library in your controller or model. You can do this using the `$this->load->database()` method, typically in your controller’s constructor.

2. Create an Active Record Instance: To work with a specific database table, create an Active Record instance associated with that table. You can do this by calling `$this->db->get(‘table_name’)`, where `’table_name’` is the name of the database table you want to interact with.

3. Retrieve Data (SELECT): To retrieve data from the table, you can use various methods like `get()`, `get_where()`, and `select()`. For example, `$this->db->get(‘table_name’)` fetches all records from the table.

4. Insert Data (INSERT): To insert data into the table, use the `insert()` method. Provide an associative array with the data you want to insert as a parameter. For example, `$data = array(‘column1’ => ‘value1’, ‘column2’ => ‘value2’); $this->db->insert(‘table_name’, $data);`

5. Update Data (UPDATE): To update existing records, use the `update()` method. Specify the table name, data to update, and a `where` condition to identify the records to be updated. For example, `$this->db->update(‘table_name’, $data, array(‘id’ => $record_id));`

6. Delete Data (DELETE): To delete records, use the `delete()` method. Specify the table name and a `where` condition to identify the records to be deleted. For example, `$this->db->delete(‘table_name’, array(‘id’ => $record_id));`

7. Method Chaining: Active Record supports method chaining, allowing you to combine multiple operations in a single query for more complex scenarios.

By following these steps and using CodeIgniter’s Active Record methods, you can perform a wide range of database operations efficiently and with a clear, readable syntax. Active Record abstracts the underlying SQL queries, making database interactions in your CodeIgniter application more organized and manageable.