The main differences between `afterMaking` and `afterCreating` in Laravel factories are:
1. Timing of execution:
- `afterMaking` callbacks are executed after a model instance is created using the `make()` method, but before it is saved to the database.
- `afterCreating` callbacks are executed after a model instance is created using the `create()` method, which saves the model to the database.
2. Database interaction:
- `afterMaking` callbacks are executed without interacting with the database, as the model is not yet saved.
- `afterCreating` callbacks are executed after the model is saved to the database, so you can perform database-related operations within these callbacks.
3. Use cases:
- `afterMaking` callbacks are useful for setting up relationships or performing other operations that don't require the model to be saved to the database.
- `afterCreating` callbacks are useful for setting up relationships, triggering events, or performing other operations that require the model to be saved to the database.
Here's an example to illustrate the differences:
php
$factory->define(App\User::class, function (Faker\Generator $faker) {
return [
'name' => $faker->name,
'email' => $faker->unique()->safeEmail,
];
});
$factory->afterMaking(App\User::class, function ($user, $faker) {
// This will be executed after `make()`, but before saving to the database
$user->is_admin = true;
});
$factory->afterCreating(App\User::class, function ($user, $faker) {
// This will be executed after `create()`, after saving to the database
$user->accounts()->save(factory(App\Account::class)->make());
});
In summary, `afterMaking` is used for operations that don't require the model to be saved, while `afterCreating` is used for operations that require the model to be saved to the database. The choice depends on the specific requirements of your test setup.
Citations:[1] https://laravel.com/docs/7.x/database-testing
[2] https://cosme.dev/tip/laravel-tip-belongs-to-relationships-in-factories
[3] https://laraveldaily.com/tip/factory-callbacks
[4] https://github.com/laravel/framework/issues/41313
[5] https://laravel-news.com/learn-to-use-model-factories-in-laravel-5-1