save() versus create()

I think the docs do a great job explaining this: inserts with 'save' and mass assignment with 'create'. After you understand those, see other creation methods.

Besure to take a gander at the source code. As @clay mentioned, there are differences. Sometimes minor sometimes major.

It's not really an oop thing as an eloquent and active record thing. Just FYI.

If you look at the source code for eloquent create it actually calls the save() method.

https://github.com/laravel/framework/blob/5.3/src/Illuminate/Database/Eloquent/Model.php#L557

While save()

https://github.com/laravel/framework/blob/5.3/src/Illuminate/Database/Eloquent/Model.php#L1448

Basically it's the same end result, insert data to the database, but the set up and how to use is slightly different.

I've found a good usage of create() when using Model Observers, model observers have events you van call, creating(), created(), updating(), updated(), saving(), saved().

So creating and created are only called when create method is used. Updating and Updated when update method is used. And saving and saved when save method is used.

Documentation explains this too.

:D Hope to help and add some info to the replies.

Eloquent only deals with objects (models) and performs database inserts and updates to persist those models.

Model::create(array);

is shorthand for the equivalent of

$model = new Model;
$model->fill(array);
$model->save();

new up an empty model(object) then fill it with your array of data, and finally save it.

If you want to update instead then first you have to find the record you are interested in, then update its values, and finally save save it;

$model = Model::findOrFail(1);
$model->fill(array)
$model->save();

Which, like the create method, there is a shortcut for;

Model::findOrFail(1)->update(array);

Thank you very very much Snapey, you made this subject so much more clearer to me! I really appreciate it. You can be one of the best programming tutor!