Laravel update database record running script

Question

I want to update any records in my database running SQL script using artisan. For example, I need to execute such command:

UPDATE translations SET field = 'meta_desc' WHERE field = 'page_desc'

What the Laravel's sctructure will be the best solution? Seed, migrations, factories?

Answer 1

Thanks to everybody for replies. Ecpesially thanks to @RossWilson for his idea of using migrations for changing DB's data.

But I think, it's not a good solution, because the Laravel's concept involves using migrations for DB structure's changing.

After reading Laravel's manuals I've found that there is a special code structure for working with db's data. It's a Seed. So, I solved my issue using the next seed for my example query above:

1. Created the new seed using artisan command:

   php artisan make:seed UpdateTranslationsSeeder
   

2. Write a code inside the run() method:

   DB::table('translations')->where('field', 'page_desc')->update(['field' => 'meta_desc']);
   

3. Run my seeder in artisan:

   php artisan db:seed --class=UpdateTranslationsSeeder
   

Note: if after running the last command in console I've got an error about class UpdateTranslationsSeeder is undefined run the next command in console to tell Laravel about new classes:

composer dump-autoload -o

Answer 2

I have adapted Paul Basenko approach to updating existing data for educational purposes. It was very useful! Here is my example:

1. Generate a seeder:

   php artisan make:seed UpdateCustomerSeeder
   

2. Add code inside run method:

   $customers = Customer::all();
   
   $customers->each(function ($customer_update, $key) {
       $faker = Factory::create('it_IT');
   
       $customer_update->name = $faker->company;
       $customer_update->website = $faker->domainName;
       $customer_update->tax_number = $faker->vatId();
       $customer_update->phone = $faker->phoneNumber;
       $customer_update->email = $faker->safeEmail;
       $customer_update->street = $faker->streetAddress;
       $customer_update->city = $faker->city;
       $customer_update->zip_code = $faker->postcode;
       $customer_update->notes = $faker->sentence();
   
       $customer_update->save();
   });
   

3. Run seeder:

   php artisan db:seed --class=UpdateCustomerSeeder