How to Use create() Method in Laravel Eloquent

In Laravel Eloquent, use the create() method to add a new record to the database by passing an array of attribute values. Make sure the model has $fillable or $guarded properties set to allow mass assignment before using create().

Syntax

The create() method is called on an Eloquent model and accepts an array of key-value pairs representing the column names and their values. The model must allow mass assignment by defining $fillable or $guarded properties.

• Model::create(array $attributes): Creates and saves a new record with the given attributes.

php

Model::create([ 'column1' => 'value1', 'column2' => 'value2' ]);

Example

This example shows how to create a new user record using the create() method. The User model has $fillable set to allow mass assignment of name, email, and password.

php

<?php

use App\Models\User;

// In User model:
// protected $fillable = ['name', 'email', 'password'];

// Creating a new user record
$user = User::create([
    'name' => 'Alice',
    'email' => '[e-mail]',
    'password' => bcrypt('secret123')
]);

// $user now contains the saved user instance

Output

User model instance saved with id, name='Alice', email='[e-mail]', and hashed password.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using create() include:

• Not setting $fillable or $guarded in the model, causing a MassAssignmentException.
• Passing attributes with keys that do not match database columns.
• Trying to use create() without importing the model or using the correct namespace.

Always ensure mass assignment is configured and attribute keys are correct.

php

<?php
// Wrong: No $fillable set in model
// This will throw an error
User::create(['name' => 'Bob']);

// Right: Set $fillable in User model
// protected $fillable = ['name'];
User::create(['name' => 'Bob']);

Quick Reference

Method	Description
create(array $attributes)	Creates and saves a new record with given attributes
$fillable	Array of attributes allowed for mass assignment
$guarded	Array of attributes not allowed for mass assignment
bcrypt(string $value)	Hashes a password before saving

Key Takeaways

Use create() to quickly add new records by passing an array of attributes.

Always define $fillable or $guarded in your model to allow mass assignment.

Attribute keys in create() must match your database columns exactly.

create() returns the saved model instance with its database ID.

Use bcrypt() or similar to hash passwords before saving with create().