Understanding Laravel - Fixing the BadMethodCallException with Eloquent Scopes in User Models

Learn how to effectively use Eloquent scopes in Laravel models to filter related records and resolve common exceptions.
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Understanding Laravel - Fixing the BadMethodCallException with Eloquent Scopes in User Models

Laravel is a powerful PHP framework that simplifies web development by offering elegant solutions for common issues. However, even experienced developers can run into pitfalls when it comes to using Eloquent models and scopes. One common issue arises when trying to filter related records using scopes. In this guide, we will explore a scenario where a BadMethodCallException error occurs when attempting to retrieve followings of a User that are activated. We’ll look at the underlying problem and how to effectively resolve it.

The Problem: Using Scopes with Relationships

In our scenario, we have a User model and a Contacts model representing the relationships between users and their followings. Here's a simplified overview of the models involved:

User Model

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Contacts Model

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When the User::find(1)->followings()->count() method is executed, a BadMethodCallException error is raised with the message:

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The issue stems from the fact that the active() scope is incorrectly called on a Eloquent relationship method, hasMany().

The Solution: Adding a Custom Scope

To filter followings based on whether they are activated or not, we need to introduce a custom scope in the Contacts model. Here’s how to do it properly:

Step 1: Define the Custom Scope in the Contacts Model

You can create a new scope called scopeActiveFollowings inside the Contacts model:

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Step 2: Update the Followings Relationship in the User Model

Change the followings method in the User model to utilize this new scope:

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Step 3: Test the Solution

Now, when you call:

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You should correctly receive the number of followings for user ID 1 that are activated. The updated relationship will ensure only the desired contacts are fetched.

Conclusion

By defining a custom Eloquent scope in the Contacts model, we can filter the related records effectively in Laravel. This approach demonstrates how flexible and powerful Eloquent relationships can be when combined with scopes. If you find yourself facing similar issues, remember you can always create custom scopes to customize your queries in a neat and organized manner.

By employing the solutions we've discussed, you can enhance your Laravel applications and avoid common pitfalls such as BadMethodCallException errors. Happy coding!