Resolving Laravel Error: Trying to get property 'cm_number' of non-object in Controllers

This guide addresses the common Laravel error "Trying to get property 'cm_number' of non-object", providing a clear explanation and practical solution for your controllers.
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Resolving Laravel Error: Trying to get property 'cm_number' of non-object in Controllers

When working with Laravel applications, developers often encounter various errors that can hinder the functionality of their applications. One such error is "Trying to get property 'cm_number' of non-object". This error typically signifies that the code is attempting to access a property on an object that does not exist, leading to unexpected behavior and a potential halt in the execution of your application.

In this guide, we will explore the underlying cause of this error and how you can effectively resolve it within your Laravel controller. Let’s dive into the details!

Understanding the Error

What Causes the Error?

This error arises when your code tries to access a property of an object that is not instantiated or is, instead, null. In the context of our example, it seems that the method getCMNumber() in your controller is trying to retrieve the last entry of ChangeManagement from the database, assuming it will always return a valid object. If the database is empty or no valid records exist, first() will return null, causing the subsequent code to trigger the error.

Example Scenario

In the provided code, you call getCMNumber in your store method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

If the database has not been seeded with any ChangeManagement records, getCMNumber will attempt to access the cm_number property of a null object, leading to the error.

Implementing the Solution

To prevent and resolve this issue, follow the steps below to refine your getCMNumber method.

Step 1: Modify getCMNumber Method

Here's a modified version of the getCMNumber function that includes a check to ensure that the previous record exists before attempting to access its properties:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Handle the Null Return in Your Controller

After adjusting getCMNumber, ensure to handle the scenario when it returns null in your store method:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Encountering the error "Trying to get property 'cm_number' of non-object" is a common pitfall in Laravel controller development, but it is easily fixable. By modifying the getCMNumber function to ensure it does not attempt to access properties of a null object, and by handling these scenarios in your controller, you can safeguard your application against such errors.

Always check if your database has the necessary data before relying on it. This approach not only improves the reliability of your Laravel application but also enhances the user experience by providing informative error messages when issues arise.

If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments! Happy coding!