Question

Hi I want to be able to generate a list using find so that I can use in select helper. but there is a problem. i want too fetch id,name(first + last). so how can I achieve it. I want first_name and last_name to be joined as name . How can I achieve it.

$this->User->find('all',array('fields' => array('first_name','last_name','id')));

I can’t use model filters and callback Please suggest me how can I do it in controllers itself.

Answer 1

I think this can be done using the virtualFields and displayField properties in your model.

In your model, define a virtual field for the full name like this:

public $virtualFields = array(
    'full_name' => 'CONCAT(User.first_name, " ", User.last_name)'
);

If you now set displayField to full_name you should be able to get a list of your users with the $this->User->find('list') method which you can use without problems with the Form-helper.

public $displayField = 'full_name';

… or:

public $displayField = 'User.full_name';

The id is fetched automatically.