Laravel Artisan model:show

 

Here’s a simple guide to using the artisan model:show command in Laravel, designed for beginners and seasoned developers alike. This command, part of Laravel’s Artisan CLI, helps you inspect and understand your Eloquent models with ease.

What is artisan model:show?

The artisan model:show command displays detailed information about a specified Eloquent model, including its attributes, relationships, and other metadata. It’s a handy tool for debugging, documenting, or exploring your models without diving into the code. 

Why Use It?

• Quick Insights: Get a clear overview of your model’s structure.
• Debugging Aid: Spot issues with attributes or relationships.
• Team Collaboration: Share model details with teammates effortlessly.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Run the Command:

Open your terminal in the Laravel project directory and type: 

 

Replace ModelName with your model’s name (e.g., User, Post).

Example: 

 

 2. Understand the Output:

The command generates a table with key details about the model:

• Attributes: Lists all fillable attributes (e.g., name, email).
• Relationships: Shows defined relationships (e.g., hasMany, belongsTo).
• Table: Displays the database table associated with the model.
• Timestamps: Indicates if created_at and updated_at are enabled.
• Hidden/Visible: Shows hidden or visible attributes for serialization.
• Events/Observers: Displays the model’s registered events and observers.

Sample Output:

   

3. Use Optional Flags

Enhance the command with these flags:

* — json: Outputs the result in JSON format for scripting or API use.

  

4. Troubleshooting Tips

• Model Not Found? Ensure the model exists in the app/Models directory (or your custom namespace) and the name is capitalized correctly.
• No Relationships? Check your model’s code for defined relationships (e.g., public function posts() { return $this->hasMany(Post::class); }).
• Empty Attributes? Verify the model’s $fillable or $guarded properties are set correctly.

5. Best Practices

• Use model:show during development to confirm model configurations.
• Combine with other Artisan commands like migrate:status for a complete project overview.
• Save JSON outputs for documentation or automated workflows.

Pro Tip

Run php artisan model:show — help to see all available options and flags for the command. 

With artisan model:show, you can unlock a clear, concise view of your Laravel models in seconds. Whether you’re debugging or exploring, this command is your go-to tool for mastering Eloquent models. Try it today and see your models come to life! 

If you found this helpful, feel free to share or drop a comment. Happy coding with Laravel! 🧱✨  

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