The `findOrFail()` and `saveOrFail()` methods in Laravel handle transactions differently:
`findOrFail()`
- `findOrFail()` is used to retrieve a model instance by its primary key.
- If the record is not found, `findOrFail()` will throw a `ModelNotFoundException`.
- When used within a database transaction, if `findOrFail()` throws an exception, the entire transaction will be automatically rolled back. This ensures data integrity and prevents the database from being left in an inconsistent state.
`saveOrFail()`
- `saveOrFail()` is used to save a model instance to the database.
- If the save operation fails, `saveOrFail()` will throw an exception.
- Unlike `findOrFail()`, `saveOrFail()` does not automatically roll back the entire transaction when an exception is thrown.
- Instead, `saveOrFail()` runs the save operation within its own transaction. This allows you to handle the exception and potentially recover from the failed save operation, without affecting the overall transaction.
The key differences are:
1. Automatic Rollback: `findOrFail()` will automatically roll back the entire transaction if an exception is thrown, while `saveOrFail()` runs in its own transaction.
2. Exception Handling: `findOrFail()` throws a specific `ModelNotFoundException`, which can be handled centrally. `saveOrFail()` can throw various exceptions depending on the reason for the failed save operation.
3. Use Case: `findOrFail()` is more commonly used to ensure a record exists before performing an operation, while `saveOrFail()` is useful when you want to handle a failed save operation without affecting the overall transaction.
In summary, `findOrFail()` is better suited for ensuring data integrity within a transaction, while `saveOrFail()` provides more granular control over handling failed save operations. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your application and the way you want to manage database transactions.
Citations:[1] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/57494581/laravel-save-vs-saveorfail-real-difference-in-nutshell
[2] https://laracasts.com/discuss/channels/eloquent/save-vs-saveorfail
[3] https://laracasts.com/discuss/channels/laravel/whats-the-true-benefit-of-using-saveorfail-instead-of-save
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3E_4S4RPco
[5] https://blog.codewithdary.com/find-vs-findorfail