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I need to override & add methods in a model invoked by a controller. I don't want to write anything inside Model class file because it's used by other controllers too. Methods are like pagination() and find(), can I do it from inside a controller?

JJJ
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duckduckgo
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  • Is there a reason why you can't name the methods something else? – JJJ Oct 11 '11 at 07:02
  • sounds to me like a very wild idea... why would one want to add methods to a model object dynamically? – mark Oct 11 '11 at 11:52
  • If you need to use your code in multiple controllers then you should probably be using a component, and rethinking your approach. – Ross Oct 11 '11 at 13:59
  • @mark - i have only one controller using model in different implementation, any change in model file will affect others. – duckduckgo Oct 12 '11 at 06:22
  • @Ross - I have only one controller for searching funtion. – duckduckgo Oct 12 '11 at 06:38
  • @Juhan - Sounds like an option, i can create pagination2() but then will paginationCount2() automatically gets called? – duckduckgo Oct 12 '11 at 06:39

1 Answers1

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CakePHP behaviors are mixins. They add methods to a model, which is what you are looking for.

It sounds like dynamically attaching a behavior to the model would get you the outcome you need.

Looking at Model::__construct(), I can see that it calls $this->Behaviors->init($this->alias, $this->actsAs);.

You may be able to call it again after the model has been instantiated to attach different behaviors (ie. $this->MyModel->Behaviors->init('MyModel', array('MyBehavior'));).

In fact, a closer look reveals that $this->MyModel->Behaviors is an instance of BehaviorCollection. As such, you can use the attach() method.

deizel.
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  • thanks for useful information, here is the link of similar case to mine http://stackoverflow.com/questions/137006/php-redefine-class-methods-or-class being from java background i was confused. Seems like using Another function or behaviors is the way to go. – duckduckgo Oct 13 '11 at 13:10
  • deizel - can attach behaviors overwrite the methods or it is good for adding new ones? – duckduckgo Oct 13 '11 at 13:12
  • Just tested this locally and I am afraid they are only good for adding methods. If you wish to override methods you should extend the class instead. – deizel. Oct 13 '11 at 13:27