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I have 4 models with the relevant migrations / tables: -topics -question_topic -questions -responses
Topics and questions are linked via the intermediate questions_topic table in a many-to-many relationship.
Questions are related to responses in a one-to-many relationship.
I need to be able to show a random selection of x questions for a specific topic and the related responses. I am however struggling to write the correct eloquent query.
I can get all the questions for a specific topic:
$questions = Topic::where('id',1)->with('questions')->get();
I can randomly get 10 questions and related responses, but not using topic to group as I need to:
$questions = Question::with('responses')->inRandomOrder()->limit(10)->get();
If I do something like this, the limit only applies to the topic, so I get all of the questions and responses for the specified topic. The random order would also not work here.
$questions = Topic::with('questions.responses')->where('id', 1)->limit(1)->get();
Any pointers as to how I should best proceed would be much appreciated!
You can use this: https://laravel.com/docs/8.x/eloquent-relationships#defining-custom-intermediate-table-models
Then use this:
IntermediateModel::with('question', 'question.responses')->where('topic_id', 1)->inRandomOrder()->limit(1)->get();
Or this way instead of intermediate model:
Topic::find(1)->questions()->with('responses')->inRandomOrder()->limit(1)->get();
Thank you very much for this - I am trying to use the method that doesn't use an intermediate model if possible. This is almost perfect:
Topic::find(1)->questions()->with('responses')->inRandomOrder()->limit(1)->get();
In this instance, the questions are randomised, but the responses are not. Each question has five potential responses.
Can I randomise these responses in the same eloquent query? I know I can do some array shuffle on the front-end, but I am trying to avoid that if possible.
If I can only achieve this with an intermediate model, then would also be fine.
I really appreciate your feedback.
Create a new relationship in your questions model:
public function randomizedResponses() {
return $this->hasMany(Response::class)->inRandomOrder();
}
and then use it in the with function instead of responses.
Awesome, thank you! I love how simple this is, but I still managed to miss it... I am still learning what can be achieved via eloquent vs. through the model relationships. This really helps.
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