Doctrine 2: How to handle join tables with extra columns

Question

How do I setup a join table with extra columns, or a many-to-many association with additional properties, in Doctrine 2?

Answer 1

First off, let me explain that this does not exist:

A join table (also known as a junction table or cross-reference table) is a table that links 2 (or more) other tables together within the same database by primary key. This means that a join table will only contain foreign keys, there is no place for these extra columns.

So when you need extra columns in such a table, it is no longer just a "link" between other tables, but becomes a real table on its own!

In terms of Doctrine 2, you no longer have a many-to-many association between 2 entities, but get a one-to-many/many-to-one association between 3 entities.

Continue reading here for more detailed explanations:

• Doctrine 2: How to handle join tables with extra columns
• More on one-to-many/many-to-one associations in Doctrine 2

Answer 2

In the second article, I suggest a minor update. Instead of the full event, use a LifecycleCallback within the entity itself:

/**
 * @ORM\Entity
 * @ORM\Table(name="jobs”)
 * @ORM\HasLifecycleCallbacks
 */
class Job
{
    // ...

    /**
     * @ORM\PreRemove
     */
    public function preRemoveCallback()
    {
        $this->setPerson(null);
        $this->setCompany(null);
    }
}