path: root/user_guide_src/source/database/query_builder.rst

###################
Query Builder Class
###################

CodeIgniter gives you access to a Query Builder class. This pattern 
allows information to be retrieved, inserted, and updated in your 
database with minimal scripting. In some cases only one or two lines
of code are necessary to perform a database action.
CodeIgniter does not require that each database table be its own class
file. It instead provides a more simplified interface.

Beyond simplicity, a major benefit to using the Query Builder features
is that it allows you to create database independent applications, since
the query syntax is generated by each database adapter. It also allows
for safer queries, since the values are escaped automatically by the
system.

.. note:: If you intend to write your own queries you can disable this
	class in your database config file, allowing the core database library
	and adapter to utilize fewer resources.

.. contents::
    :local:
    :depth: 1

**************
Selecting Data
**************

The following functions allow you to build SQL **SELECT** statements.

**$this->db->get()**

Runs the selection query and returns the result. Can be used by itself
to retrieve all records from a table::

	$query = $this->db->get('mytable');  // Produces: SELECT * FROM mytable

The second and third parameters enable you to set a limit and offset
clause::

	$query = $this->db->get('mytable', 10, 20);
	// Produces: SELECT * FROM mytable LIMIT 20, 10 
        // (in MySQL. Other databases have slightly different syntax)

You'll notice that the above function is assigned to a variable named
$query, which can be used to show the results::

	$query = $this->db->get('mytable');

	foreach ($query->result() as $row)
	{
		echo $row->title;
	}

Please visit the :doc:`result functions <results>` page for a full
discussion regarding result generation.

**$this->db->get_compiled_select()**

Compiles the selection query just like **$this->db->get()** but does not *run*
the query. This method simply returns the SQL query as a string.

Example::

	$sql = $this->db->get_compiled_select('mytable');
	echo $sql;

	// Produces string: SELECT * FROM mytable

The second parameter enables you to set whether or not the query builder query
will be reset (by default it will be reset, just like when using `$this->db->get()`)::

	echo $this->db->limit(10,20)->get_compiled_select('mytable', FALSE);
	// Produces string: SELECT * FROM mytable LIMIT 20, 10
	// (in MySQL. Other databases have slightly different syntax)

	echo $this->db->select('title, content, date')->get_compiled_select();

	// Produces string: SELECT title, content, date FROM mytable LIMIT 20, 10

The key thing to notice in the above example is that the second query did not
utilize **$this->db->from()** and did not pass a table name into the first
parameter. The reason for this outcome is because the query has not been
executed using **$this->db->get()** which resets values or reset directly
using **$this->db->reset_query()**.

**$this->db->get_where()**

Identical to the above function except that it permits you to add a
"where" clause in the second parameter, instead of using the db->where()
function::

	$query = $this->db->get_where('mytable', array('id' => $id), $limit, $offset);

Please read the about the where function below for more information.

.. note:: get_where() was formerly known as getwhere(), which has been removed

**$this->db->select()**

Permits you to write the SELECT portion of your query::

	$this->db->select('title, content, date');
	$query = $this->db->get('mytable');  // Produces: SELECT title, content, date FROM mytable


.. note:: If you are selecting all (\*) from a table you do not need to
	use this function. When omitted, CodeIgniter assumes you wish to SELECT *

$this->db->select() accepts an optional second parameter. If you set it
to FALSE, CodeIgniter will not try to protect your field or table names
with backticks. This is useful if you need a compound select statement.

::

	$this->db->select('(SELECT SUM(payments.amount) FROM payments WHERE payments.invoice_id=4') AS amount_paid', FALSE);
	$query = $this->db->get('mytable');

**$this->db->select_max()**

Writes a "SELECT MAX(field)" portion for your query. You can optionally
include a second parameter to rename the resulting field.

::

	$this->db->select_max('age');
	$query = $this->db->get('members');  // Produces: SELECT MAX(age) as age FROM members

	$this->db->select_max('age', 'member_age');
	$query = $this->db->get('members'); // Produces: SELECT MAX(age) as member_age FROM members


**$this->db->select_min()**

Writes a "SELECT MIN(field)" portion for your query. As with
select_max(), You can optionally include a second parameter to rename
the resulting field.

::

	$this->db->select_min('age');
	$query = $this->db->get('members'); // Produces: SELECT MIN(age) as age FROM members


**$this->db->select_avg()**

Writes a "SELECT AVG(field)" portion for your query. As with
select_max(), You can optionally include a second parameter to rename
the resulting field.

::

	$this->db->select_avg('age');
	$query = $this->db->get('members'); // Produces: SELECT AVG(age) as age FROM members


**$this->db->select_sum()**

Writes a "SELECT SUM(field)" portion for your query. As with
select_max(), You can optionally include a second parameter to rename
the resulting field.

::

	$this->db->select_sum('age');
	$query = $this->db->get('members'); // Produces: SELECT SUM(age) as age FROM members

**$this->db->from()**

Permits you to write the FROM portion of your query::

	$this->db->select('title, content, date');
	$this->db->from('mytable');
	$query = $this->db->get();  // Produces: SELECT title, content, date FROM mytable

.. note:: As shown earlier, the FROM portion of your query can be specified
	in the $this->db->get() function, so use whichever method you prefer.

**$this->db->join()**

Permits you to write the JOIN portion of your query::

	$this->db->select('*');
	$this->db->from('blogs');
	$this->db->join('comments', 'comments.id = blogs.id');
	$query = $this->db->get();

	// Produces:
	// SELECT * FROM blogs JOIN comments ON comments.id = blogs.id

Multiple function calls can be made if you need several joins in one
query.

If you need a specific type of JOIN you can specify it via the third
parameter of the function. Options are: left, right, outer, inner, left
outer, and right outer.

::

	$this->db->join('comments', 'comments.id = blogs.id', 'left');
	// Produces: LEFT JOIN comments ON comments.id = blogs.id

*************************
Looking for Specific Data
*************************

**$this->db->where()**

This function enables you to set **WHERE** clauses using one of four
methods:

.. note:: All values passed to this function are escaped automatically,
	producing safer queries.

#. **Simple key/value method:**

	::

		$this->db->where('name', $name); // Produces: WHERE name = 'Joe'

	Notice that the equal sign is added for you.

	If you use multiple function calls they will be chained together with
	AND between them:

	::

		$this->db->where('name', $name);
		$this->db->where('title', $title);
		$this->db->where('status', $status);
		// WHERE name = 'Joe' AND title = 'boss' AND status = 'active'

#. **Custom key/value method:**
	You can include an operator in the first parameter in order to
	control the comparison:

	::

		$this->db->where('name !=', $name);
		$this->db->where('id <', $id); // Produces: WHERE name != 'Joe' AND id < 45

#. **Associative array method:**

	::

		$array = array('name' => $name, 'title' => $title, 'status' => $status);
		$this->db->where($array);
		// Produces: WHERE name = 'Joe' AND title = 'boss' AND status = 'active'

	You can include your own operators using this method as well:

	::

		$array = array('name !=' => $name, 'id <' => $id, 'date >' => $date);
		$this->db->where($array);

#. **Custom string:**
	You can write your own clauses manually::

		$where = "name='Joe' AND status='boss' OR status='active'";
		$this->db->where($where);


$this->db->where() accepts an optional third parameter. If you set it to
FALSE, CodeIgniter will not try to protect your field or table names
with backticks.

::

	$this->db->where('MATCH (field) AGAINST ("value")', NULL, FALSE);

**$this->db->or_where()**

This function is identical to the one above, except that multiple
instances are joined by OR::

	$this->db->where('name !=', $name);
	$this->db->or_where('id >', $id);  // Produces: WHERE name != 'Joe' OR id > 50

.. note:: or_where() was formerly known as orwhere(), which has been
	removed.

**$this->db->where_in()**

Generates a WHERE field IN ('item', 'item') SQL query joined with AND if
appropriate

::

	$names = array('Frank', 'Todd', 'James');
	$this->db->where_in('username', $names);
	// Produces: WHERE username IN ('Frank', 'Todd', 'James')


**$this->db->or_where_in()**

Generates a WHERE field IN ('item', 'item') SQL query joined with OR if
appropriate

::

	$names = array('Frank', 'Todd', 'James');
	$this->db->or_where_in('username', $names);
	// Produces: OR username IN ('Frank', 'Todd', 'James')

**$this->db->where_not_in()**

Generates a WHERE field NOT IN ('item', 'item') SQL query joined with
AND if appropriate

::

	$names = array('Frank', 'Todd', 'James');
	$this->db->where_not_in('username', $names);
	// Produces: WHERE username NOT IN ('Frank', 'Todd', 'James')


**$this->db->or_where_not_in()**

Generates a WHERE field NOT IN ('item', 'item') SQL query joined with OR
if appropriate

::

	$names = array('Frank', 'Todd', 'James');
	$this->db->or_where_not_in('username', $names);
	// Produces: OR username NOT IN ('Frank', 'Todd', 'James')

************************
Looking for Similar Data
************************

**$this->db->like()**

This method enables you to generate **LIKE** clauses, useful for doing
searches.

.. note:: All values passed to this method are escaped automatically.

#. **Simple key/value method:**

	::

		$this->db->like('title', 'match');
		// Produces: WHERE `title` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!'

	If you use multiple method calls they will be chained together with
	AND between them::

		$this->db->like('title', 'match');
		$this->db->like('body', 'match');
		// WHERE `title` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!' AND  `body` LIKE '%match% ESCAPE '!'

	If you want to control where the wildcard (%) is placed, you can use
	an optional third argument. Your options are 'before', 'after' and
	'both' (which is the default).

	::

		$this->db->like('title', 'match', 'before');	// Produces: WHERE `title` LIKE '%match' ESCAPE '!'
		$this->db->like('title', 'match', 'after');	// Produces: WHERE `title` LIKE 'match%' ESCAPE '!'
		$this->db->like('title', 'match', 'both');	// Produces: WHERE `title` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!'

#. **Associative array method:**

	::

		$array = array('title' => $match, 'page1' => $match, 'page2' => $match);
		$this->db->like($array);
		// WHERE `title` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!' AND  `page1` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!' AND  `page2` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!'


**$this->db->or_like()**

This method is identical to the one above, except that multiple
instances are joined by OR::

	$this->db->like('title', 'match'); $this->db->or_like('body', $match);
	// WHERE `title` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!' OR  `body` LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!'

.. note:: ``or_like()`` was formerly known as ``orlike()``, which has been removed.

**$this->db->not_like()**

This method is identical to ``like()``, except that it generates
NOT LIKE statements::

	$this->db->not_like('title', 'match');	// WHERE `title` NOT LIKE '%match% ESCAPE '!'

**$this->db->or_not_like()**

This method is identical to ``not_like()``, except that multiple
instances are joined by OR::

	$this->db->like('title', 'match');
	$this->db->or_not_like('body', 'match');
	// WHERE `title` LIKE '%match% OR  `body` NOT LIKE '%match%' ESCAPE '!'

**$this->db->group_by()**

Permits you to write the GROUP BY portion of your query::

	$this->db->group_by("title"); // Produces: GROUP BY title

You can also pass an array of multiple values as well::

	$this->db->group_by(array("title", "date"));  // Produces: GROUP BY title, date

.. note:: group_by() was formerly known as groupby(), which has been
	removed.

**$this->db->distinct()**

Adds the "DISTINCT" keyword to a query

::

	$this->db->distinct();
	$this->db->get('table'); // Produces: SELECT DISTINCT * FROM table

**$this->db->having()**

Permits you to write the HAVING portion of your query. There are 2
possible syntaxes, 1 argument or 2::

	$this->db->having('user_id = 45');  // Produces: HAVING user_id = 45
	$this->db->having('user_id',  45);  // Produces: HAVING user_id = 45

You can also pass an array of multiple values as well::

	$this->db->having(array('title =' => 'My Title', 'id <' => $id));
	// Produces: HAVING title = 'My Title', id < 45


If you are using a database that CodeIgniter escapes queries for, you
can prevent escaping content by passing an optional third argument, and
setting it to FALSE.

::

	$this->db->having('user_id',  45);  // Produces: HAVING `user_id` = 45 in some databases such as MySQL
	$this->db->having('user_id',  45, FALSE);  // Produces: HAVING user_id = 45


**$this->db->or_having()**

Identical to having(), only separates multiple clauses with "OR".

****************
Ordering results
****************

**$this->db->order_by()**

Lets you set an ORDER BY clause.

The first parameter contains the name of the column you would like to order by.

The second parameter lets you set the direction of the result.
Options are **ASC**, **DESC** AND **RANDOM**.

::

	$this->db->order_by('title', 'DESC');
	// Produces: ORDER BY `title` DESC

You can also pass your own string in the first parameter::

	$this->db->order_by('title DESC, name ASC');
	// Produces: ORDER BY `title` DESC, `name` ASC

Or multiple function calls can be made if you need multiple fields.

::

	$this->db->order_by('title', 'DESC');
	$this->db->order_by('name', 'ASC');
	// Produces: ORDER BY `title` DESC, `name` ASC

If you choose the **RANDOM** direction option, then the first parameters will
be ignored, unless you specify a numeric seed value.

::

	$this->db->order_by('title', 'RANDOM');
	// Produces: ORDER BY RAND()

	$this->db->order_by(42, 'RANDOM');
	// Produces: ORDER BY RAND(42)

.. note:: order_by() was formerly known as orderby(), which has been
	removed.

.. note:: Random ordering is not currently supported in Oracle and
	will default to ASC instead.

****************************
Limiting or Counting Results
****************************

**$this->db->limit()**

Lets you limit the number of rows you would like returned by the query::

	$this->db->limit(10);  // Produces: LIMIT 10

The second parameter lets you set a result offset.

::

	$this->db->limit(10, 20);  // Produces: LIMIT 20, 10 (in MySQL.  Other databases have slightly different syntax)

**$this->db->count_all_results()**

Permits you to determine the number of rows in a particular Active
Record query. Queries will accept Query Builder restrictors such as
where(), or_where(), like(), or_like(), etc. Example::

	echo $this->db->count_all_results('my_table');  // Produces an integer, like 25
	$this->db->like('title', 'match');
	$this->db->from('my_table');
	echo $this->db->count_all_results(); // Produces an integer, like 17

**$this->db->count_all()**

Permits you to determine the number of rows in a particular table.
Submit the table name in the first parameter. Example::

	echo $this->db->count_all('my_table');  // Produces an integer, like 25

**************
Query grouping
**************

Query grouping allows you to create groups of WHERE clauses by enclosing them in parentheses. This will allow
you to create queries with complex WHERE clauses. Nested groups are supported. Example::

	$this->db->select('*')->from('my_table')
		->group_start()
			->where('a', 'a')
			->or_group_start()
				->where('b', 'b')
				->where('c', 'c')
			->group_end()
		->group_end()
		->where('d', 'd')
	->get();

	// Generates:
	// SELECT * FROM (`my_table`) WHERE ( `a` = 'a' OR ( `b` = 'b' AND `c` = 'c' ) ) AND `d` = 'd'

.. note:: groups need to be balanced, make sure every group_start() is matched by a group_end().

**$this->db->group_start()**

Starts a new group by adding an opening parenthesis to the WHERE clause of the query.

**$this->db->or_group_start()**

Starts a new group by adding an opening parenthesis to the WHERE clause of the query, prefixing it with 'OR'.

**$this->db->not_group_start()**

Starts a new group by adding an opening parenthesis to the WHERE clause of the query, prefixing it with 'NOT'.

**$this->db->or_not_group_start()**

Starts a new group by adding an opening parenthesis to the WHERE clause of the query, prefixing it with 'OR NOT'.

**$this->db->group_end()**

Ends the current group by adding an closing parenthesis to the WHERE clause of the query.

**************
Inserting Data
**************

**$this->db->insert()**

Generates an insert string based on the data you supply, and runs the
query. You can either pass an **array** or an **object** to the
function. Here is an example using an array::

	$data = array(
		'title' => 'My title',
		'name' => 'My Name',
		'date' => 'My date'
	);

	$this->db->insert('mytable', $data);
	// Produces: INSERT INTO mytable (title, name, date) VALUES ('My title', 'My name', 'My date')

The first parameter will contain the table name, the second is an
associative array of values.

Here is an example using an object::

	/*
	class Myclass {
		public $title = 'My Title';
		public $content = 'My Content';
		public $date = 'My Date';
	}
	*/

	$object = new Myclass;
	$this->db->insert('mytable', $object);
	// Produces: INSERT INTO mytable (title, content, date) VALUES ('My Title', 'My Content', 'My Date')

The first parameter will contain the table name, the second is an
object.

.. note:: All values are escaped automatically producing safer queries.

**$this->db->get_compiled_insert()**

Compiles the insertion query just like $this->db->insert() but does not
*run* the query. This method simply returns the SQL query as a string.

Example::

	$data = array(
		'title' => 'My title',
		'name'  => 'My Name',
		'date'  => 'My date'
	);

	$sql = $this->db->set($data)->get_compiled_insert('mytable');
	echo $sql;

	// Produces string: INSERT INTO mytable (title, name, date) VALUES ('My title', 'My name', 'My date')

The second parameter enables you to set whether or not the query builder query
will be reset (by default it will be--just like $this->db->insert())::

	echo $this->db->set('title', 'My Title')->get_compiled_insert('mytable', FALSE);

	// Produces string: INSERT INTO mytable (title) VALUES ('My Title')

	echo $this->db->set('content', 'My Content')->get_compiled_insert();

	// Produces string: INSERT INTO mytable (title, content) VALUES ('My Title', 'My Content')

The key thing to notice in the above example is that the second query did not
utlize `$this->db->from()` nor did it pass a table name into the first
parameter. The reason this worked is because the query has not been executed
using `$this->db->insert()` which resets values or reset directly using
`$this->db->reset_query()`.

.. note:: This method doesn't work for batched inserts.

**$this->db->insert_batch()**

Generates an insert string based on the data you supply, and runs the
query. You can either pass an **array** or an **object** to the
function. Here is an example using an array::

	$data = array(
		array(
			'title' => 'My title',
			'name' => 'My Name',
			'date' => 'My date'
		),
		array(
			'title' => 'Another title',
			'name' => 'Another Name',
			'date' => 'Another date'
		)
	);

	$this->db->insert_batch('mytable', $data);
	// Produces: INSERT INTO mytable (title, name, date) VALUES ('My title', 'My name', 'My date'),  ('Another title', 'Another name', 'Another date')

The first parameter will contain the table name, the second is an
associative array of values.

.. note:: All values are escaped automatically producing safer queries.

*************
Updating Data
*************

**$this->db->replace()**

This method executes a REPLACE statement, which is basically the SQL
standard for (optional) DELETE + INSERT, using *PRIMARY* and *UNIQUE*
keys as the determining factor.
In our case, it will save you from the need to implement complex
logics with different combinations of  ``select()``, ``update()``,
``delete()`` and ``insert()`` calls.

Example::

	$data = array(
		'title' => 'My title',
		'name'  => 'My Name',
		'date'  => 'My date'
	);

	$this->db->replace('table', $data);

	// Executes: REPLACE INTO mytable (title, name, date) VALUES ('My title', 'My name', 'My date')

In the above example, if we assume that the *title* field is our primary
key, then if a row containing 'My title' as the *title* value, that row
will be deleted with our new row data replacing it.

Usage of the ``set()`` method is also allowed and all fields are
automatically escaped, just like with ``insert()``.

**$this->db->set()**

This function enables you to set values for inserts or updates.

**It can be used instead of passing a data array directly to the insert
or update functions:**

::

	$this->db->set('name', $name);
	$this->db->insert('mytable');  // Produces: INSERT INTO mytable (name) VALUES ('{$name}')

If you use multiple function called they will be assembled properly
based on whether you are doing an insert or an update::

	$this->db->set('name', $name);
	$this->db->set('title', $title);
	$this->db->set('status', $status);
	$this->db->insert('mytable');

**set()** will also accept an optional third parameter ($escape), that
will prevent data from being escaped if set to FALSE. To illustrate the
difference, here is set() used both with and without the escape
parameter.

::

	$this->db->set('field', 'field+1', FALSE);
	$this->db->insert('mytable'); // gives INSERT INTO mytable (field) VALUES (field+1)
	$this->db->set('field', 'field+1');
	$this->db->insert('mytable'); // gives INSERT INTO mytable (field) VALUES ('field+1')


You can also pass an associative array to this function::

	$array = array(
		'name' => $name,
		'title' => $title,
		'status' => $status
	);

	$this->db->set($array);
	$this->db->insert('mytable');

Or an object::

	/*
	class Myclass {
		public $title = 'My Title';
		public $content = 'My Content';
		public $date = 'My Date';
	}
	*/

	$object = new Myclass;
	$this->db->set($object);
	$this->db->insert('mytable');

**$this->db->update()**

Generates an update string and runs the query based on the data you
supply. You can pass an **array** or an **object** to the function. Here
is an example using an array::

	$data = array(
		'title' => $title,
		'name' => $name,
		'date' => $date
	);

	$this->db->where('id', $id);
	$this->db->update('mytable', $data);
	// Produces: // UPDATE mytable  // SET title = '{$title}', name = '{$name}', date = '{$date}' // WHERE id = $id

Or you can supply an object::

	/*
	class Myclass {
		public $title = 'My Title';
		public $content = 'My Content';
		public $date = 'My Date';
	}
	*/

	$object = new Myclass;
	$this->db->where('id', $id);
	$this->db->update('mytable', $object);
	// Produces: // UPDATE mytable  // SET title = '{$title}', name = '{$name}', date = '{$date}' // WHERE id = $id

.. note:: All values are escaped automatically producing safer queries.

You'll notice the use of the $this->db->where() function, enabling you
to set the WHERE clause. You can optionally pass this information
directly into the update function as a string::

	$this->db->update('mytable', $data, "id = 4");

Or as an array::

	$this->db->update('mytable', $data, array('id' => $id));

You may also use the $this->db->set() function described above when
performing updates.

**$this->db->update_batch()**

Generates an update string based on the data you supply, and runs the query.
You can either pass an **array** or an **object** to the function.
Here is an example using an array::

	$data = array(
	   array(
	      'title' => 'My title' ,
	      'name' => 'My Name 2' ,
	      'date' => 'My date 2'
	   ),
	   array(
	      'title' => 'Another title' ,
	      'name' => 'Another Name 2' ,
	      'date' => 'Another date 2'
	   )
	);

	$this->db->update_batch('mytable', $data, 'title');

	// Produces:
	// UPDATE `mytable` SET `name` = CASE
	// WHEN `title` = 'My title' THEN 'My Name 2'
	// WHEN `title` = 'Another title' THEN 'Another Name 2'
	// ELSE `name` END,
	// `date` = CASE
	// WHEN `title` = 'My title' THEN 'My date 2'
	// WHEN `title` = 'Another title' THEN 'Another date 2'
	// ELSE `date` END
	// WHERE `title` IN ('My title','Another title')

The first parameter will contain the table name, the second is an associative
array of values, the third parameter is the where key.

.. note:: All values are escaped automatically producing safer queries.

.. note:: ``affected_rows()`` won't give you proper results with this method,
	due to the very nature of how it works. Instead, ``update_batch()``
	returns the number of rows affected.

**$this->db->get_compiled_update()**

This works exactly the same way as ``$this->db->get_compiled_insert()`` except
that it produces an UPDATE SQL string instead of an INSERT SQL string.

For more information view documentation for `$this->db->get_compiled_insert()`.

.. note:: This method doesn't work for batched updates.

*************
Deleting Data
*************

**$this->db->delete()**

Generates a delete SQL string and runs the query.

::

	$this->db->delete('mytable', array('id' => $id));  // Produces: // DELETE FROM mytable  // WHERE id = $id

The first parameter is the table name, the second is the where clause.
You can also use the where() or or_where() functions instead of passing
the data to the second parameter of the function::

	$this->db->where('id', $id);
	$this->db->delete('mytable');

	// Produces:
	// DELETE FROM mytable
	// WHERE id = $id


An array of table names can be passed into delete() if you would like to
delete data from more than 1 table.

::

	$tables = array('table1', 'table2', 'table3');
	$this->db->where('id', '5');
	$this->db->delete($tables);


If you want to delete all data from a table, you can use the truncate()
function, or empty_table().

**$this->db->empty_table()**

Generates a delete SQL string and runs the
query.::

	  $this->db->empty_table('mytable'); // Produces: DELETE FROM mytable

**$this->db->truncate()**

Generates a truncate SQL string and runs the query.

::

	$this->db->from('mytable');
	$this->db->truncate();

	// or

	$this->db->truncate('mytable');

	// Produce:
	// TRUNCATE mytable

.. note:: If the TRUNCATE command isn't available, truncate() will
	execute as "DELETE FROM table".

**$this->db->get_compiled_delete()**

This works exactly the same way as ``$this->db->get_compiled_insert()`` except
that it produces a DELETE SQL string instead of an INSERT SQL string.

For more information view documentation for $this->db->get_compiled_insert().

***************
Method Chaining
***************

Method chaining allows you to simplify your syntax by connecting
multiple functions. Consider this example::

	$query = $this->db->select('title')
			->where('id', $id)
			->limit(10, 20)
			->get('mytable');

.. _ar-caching:

*********************
Query Builder Caching
*********************

While not "true" caching, Query Builder enables you to save (or "cache")
certain parts of your queries for reuse at a later point in your
script's execution. Normally, when an Query Builder call is completed,
all stored information is reset for the next call. With caching, you can
prevent this reset, and reuse information easily.

Cached calls are cumulative. If you make 2 cached select() calls, and
then 2 uncached select() calls, this will result in 4 select() calls.
There are three Caching functions available:

**$this->db->start_cache()**

This function must be called to begin caching. All Query Builder queries
of the correct type (see below for supported queries) are stored for
later use.

**$this->db->stop_cache()**

This function can be called to stop caching.

**$this->db->flush_cache()**

This function deletes all items from the Query Builder cache.

An example of caching
---------------------

Here's a usage example::

	$this->db->start_cache();
	$this->db->select('field1');
	$this->db->stop_cache();
	$this->db->get('tablename');
	//Generates: SELECT `field1` FROM (`tablename`)

	$this->db->select('field2');
	$this->db->get('tablename');
	//Generates:  SELECT `field1`, `field2` FROM (`tablename`)

	$this->db->flush_cache();
	$this->db->select('field2');
	$this->db->get('tablename');
	//Generates:  SELECT `field2` FROM (`tablename`)


.. note:: The following statements can be cached: select, from, join,
	where, like, group_by, having, order_by, set


***********************
Resetting Query Builder
***********************

**$this->db->reset_query()**

Resetting Query Builder allows you to start fresh with your query without
executing it first using a method like $this->db->get() or $this->db->insert().
Just like the methods that execute a query, this will *not* reset items you've
cached using `Query Builder Caching`_.

This is useful in situations where you are using Query Builder to generate SQL
(ex. ``$this->db->get_compiled_select()``) but then choose to, for instance,
run the query::

	// Note that the second parameter of the get_compiled_select method is FALSE
	$sql = $this->db->select(array('field1','field2'))
					->where('field3',5)
					->get_compiled_select('mytable', FALSE);

	// ...
	// Do something crazy with the SQL code... like add it to a cron script for
	// later execution or something...
	// ...

	$data = $this->db->get()->result_array();

	// Would execute and return an array of results of the following query:
	// SELECT field1, field1 from mytable where field3 = 5;

.. note:: Double calls to ``get_compiled_select()`` while you're using the
	Query Builder Caching functionality and NOT resetting your queries
	will results in the cache being merged twice. That in turn will
	i.e. if you're caching a ``select()`` - select the same field twice.

***************
Class Reference
***************

.. class:: CI_DB_query_builder

	.. method:: count_all_results([$table = ''])

		:param	string	$table: Table name to query
		:returns:	Number of rows in the query result
		:rtype:	int

		Generates a platform-specific query string that counts 
                all records returned by an Query Builder query.

	.. method:: dbprefix([$table = ''])

		:param	string	$table: The table name to work with
		:returns:	The modified table name
		:rtype:	string

		Prepends a database prefix if one exists in configuration

	.. method:: delete([$table = ''[, $where = ''[, $limit = NULL[, $reset_data = TRUE]]]])

		:param	mixed	$table: The table(s) to delete from; string or array
		:param	string	$where: The where clause
		:param	string	$limit: The limit clause
		:param	boolean	$reset_data: TRUE to reset the query "write" clause
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance, FALSE on failure
		:rtype:	mixed

		Compiles a delete string and runs the query

	.. method:: distinct([$val = TRUE])

		:param	boolean	$val: Desired value of the "distinct" flag
		:returns:	DB_query_driver instance
		:rtype:	object

		Sets a flag which tells the query string compiler to add DISTINCT

	.. method:: empty_table([$table = ''])

		:param	string	$table: Name of table to empty
		:returns:	DB_driver instance
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles a delete string and runs "DELETE FROM table"

	.. method:: flush_cache()

		:rtype:	void

		Empties the QB cache

	.. method:: from($from)

		:param	mixed	$from: Can be a string or array
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates the FROM portion of the query

	.. method:: get([$table = ''[, $limit = NULL[, $offset = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to query
		:param	string	$limit: The limit clause
		:param	string	$offset: The offset clause
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles the select statement based on the other functions 
                called and runs the query

	.. method:: get_compiled_delete([$table = ''[, $reset = TRUE]])

		:param	string	$table: Name of the table to delete from
		:param	boolean	$reset: TRUE: reset QB values; FALSE: leave QB values alone
		:returns:	The SQL string
		:rtype:	string

		Compiles a delete query string and returns the sql

	.. method:: get_compiled_insert([$table = ''[, $reset = TRUE]])

		:param	string	$table: Name of the table to insert into
		:param	boolean	$reset: TRUE: reset QB values; FALSE: leave QB values alone
		:returns:	The SQL string
		:rtype:	string

		Compiles an insert query string and returns the sql

	.. method:: get_compiled_select([$table = ''[, $reset = TRUE]])

		:param	string	$table: Name of the table to select from
		:param	boolean	$reset: TRUE: reset QB values; FALSE: leave QB values alone
		:returns:	The SQL string
		:rtype:	string

		Compiles a select query string and returns the sql

	.. method:: get_compiled_update([$table = ''[, $reset = TRUE]])

		:param	string	$table: Name of the table to update
		:param	boolean	$reset: TRUE: reset QB values; FALSE: leave QB values alone
		:returns:	The SQL string
		:rtype:	string

		Compiles an update query string and returns the sql

	.. method:: get_where([$table = ''[, $where = NULL[, $limit = NULL[, $offset = NULL]]]])

		:param	mixed	$table: The table(s) to delete from; string or array
		:param	string	$where: The where clause
		:param	int	$limit: Number of records to return
		:param	int	$offset: Number of records to skip
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Allows the where clause, limit and offset to be added directly

	.. method:: group_by($by[, $escape = NULL])

		:param	mixed	$by: Field(s) to group by; string or array
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Adds a GROUPBY clause to the query

	.. method:: group_end()

		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Ends a query group

	.. method:: group_start([$not = ''[, $type = 'AND ']])

		:param	string	$not: (Internal use only)
		:param	string	$type: (Internal use only)
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Starts a query group.

	.. method:: having($key[, $value = NULL[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	string	$key: Key (string) or associative array of values
		:param	string	$value: Value sought if the key is a string
		:param	string	$escape: TRUE to escape the content
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Separates multiple calls with 'AND'.

	.. method:: insert([$table = ''[, $set = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to insert data into
		:param	array	$set: An associative array of insert values
		:param	boolean	$table: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles an insert string and runs the query

	.. method:: insert_batch([$table = ''[, $set = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to insert data into
		:param	array	$set: An associative array of insert values
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	Number of rows inserted or FALSE on failure
		:rtype:	mixed

		Compiles batch insert strings and runs the queries

	.. method:: join($table, $cond[, $type = ''[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	string	$table: Name of the table being joined
		:param	string	$cond: The JOIN condition
		:param	string	$type: The JOIN type
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates the JOIN portion of the query

	.. method:: like($field[, $match = ''[, $side = 'both'[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$field: Name of field to compare
		:param	string	$match: Text portion to match
		:param	string	$side: Position of a match
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a %LIKE% portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'AND'.

	.. method:: limit($value[, $offset = FALSE])

		:param	mixed	$value: Number of rows to limit the results to, NULL for no limit
		:param	mixed	$offset: Number of rows to skip, FALSE if no offset used
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Specify a limit and offset for the query

	.. method:: not_group_start()

		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Starts a query group, but NOTs the group

	.. method:: not_like($field[, $match = ''[, $side = 'both'[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$field: Name of field to compare
		:param	string	$match: Text portion to match
		:param	string	$side: Position of a match
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a NOT LIKE portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'AND'.

	.. method:: offset($offset)

		:param	int	$offset: Number of rows to skip in a query
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Sets the OFFSET value

	.. method:: or_group_start()

		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Starts a query group, but ORs the group

	.. method:: or_having($key[, $value = NULL[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	string	$key: Key (string) or associative array of values
		:param	string	$value: Value sought if the key is a string
		:param	string	$escape: TRUE to escape the content
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Separates multiple calls with 'OR'.

	.. method:: or_like($field[, $match = ''[, $side = 'both'[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$field: Name of field to compare
		:param	string	$match: Text portion to match
		:param	string	$side: Position of a match
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a %LIKE% portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'OR'.

	.. method:: or_not_group_start()

		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Starts a query group, but OR NOTs the group

	.. method:: or_not_like($field[, $match = ''[, $side = 'both'[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$field: Name of field to compare
		:param	string	$match: Text portion to match
		:param	string	$side: Position of a match
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a NOT LIKE portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'OR'.

	.. method:: or_where($key[, $value = NULL[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	mixed	$key: Name of field to compare, or associative array
		:param	mixed	$value: If a single key, compared to this value
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates the WHERE portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'OR'.

	.. method:: or_where_in([$key = NULL[, $values = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$key: The field to search
		:param	array	$values: The values searched on
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a WHERE field IN('item', 'item') SQL query,
                joined with 'OR' if appropriate.

	.. method:: or_where_not_in([$key = NULL[, $values = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$key: The field to search
		:param	array	$values: The values searched on
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a WHERE field NOT IN('item', 'item') SQL query,
                joined with 'OR' if appropriate.

	.. method:: order_by($orderby[, $direction = ''[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	string	$orderby: The field to order by
		:param	string	$direction: The order requested - asc, desc or random
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates an ORDER BY clause in the SQL query

	.. method:: replace([$table = ''[, $set = NULL]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to query
		:param	array	$set: Associative array of insert values
		:returns:	DB_result, FALSE on failure
		:rtype:	mixed

		Compiles an replace into string and runs the query

	.. method:: reset_query()

		:rtype:	void

		Publicly-visible method to reset the QB values.

	.. method:: select([$select = '*'[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	string	$select: Comma-separated list of fields to select
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates the SELECT portion of the query

	.. method:: select_avg([$select = ''[, $alias = '']])

		:param	string	$select: Field to compute the average of
		:param	string	$alias: Alias for the resulting value
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a SELECT AVG(field) portion of a query

	.. method:: select_max([$select = ''[, $alias = '']])

		:param	string	$select: Field to compute the maximum of
		:param	string	$alias: Alias for the resulting value
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a SELECT MAX(field) portion of a query

	.. method:: select_min([$select = ''[, $alias = '']])

		:param	string	$select: Field to compute the minimum of
		:param	string	$alias: Alias for the resulting value
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a SELECT MIN(field) portion of a query

	.. method:: select_sum([$select = ''[, $alias = '']])

		:param	string	$select: Field to compute the sum of
		:param	string	$alias: Alias for the resulting value
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a SELECT SUM(field) portion of a query

	.. method:: set($key[, $value = ''[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	mixed	$key: The field to be set, or an array of key/value pairs
		:param	string	$value: If a single key, its new value
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Allows key/value pairs to be set for inserting or updating

	.. method:: set_dbprefix([$prefix = ''])

		:param	string	$prefix: The new prefix to use
		:returns:	The DB prefix in use
		:rtype:	string

		Set's the DB Prefix to something new without needing to reconnect

	.. method:: set_insert_batch($key[, $value = ''[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	mixed	$key: The field to be set, or an array of key/value pairs
		:param	string	$value: If a single key, its new value
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		The "set_insert_batch" function.  Allows key/value pairs to be set for batch inserts

	.. method:: set_update_batch($key[, $value = ''[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	mixed	$key: The field to be set, or an array of key/value pairs
		:param	string	$value: If a single key, its new value
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		The "set_batch_batch" function.  Allows key/value pairs to be set for batch batch

	.. method:: start_cache()

		:rtype:	void

		Start DB caching

	.. method:: stop_cache()

		:rtype:	void

		Stop DB caching

	.. method:: truncate([$table = ''])

		:param	string	$table: Name fo the table to truncate
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles a truncate string and runs the query.
                If the database does not support the truncate() command
                This function maps to "DELETE FROM table"

	.. method:: update([$table = ''[, $set = NULL[, $where = NULL[, $limit = NULL]]]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to insert data into
		:param	array	$set: An associative array of insert values
		:param	string	$where: WHERE clause to use
		:param	string	$limit: LIMIT clause to use
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles an update string and runs the query.

	.. method:: update_batch([$table = ''[, $set = NULL[, $value = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$table: The table to update data in
		:param	mixed	$set: The field to be set, or an array of key/value pairs
		:param	string	$value: If a single key, its new value
		:returns:	DB_result
		:rtype:	object

		Compiles an update string and runs the query.

	.. method:: where($key[, $value = NULL[, $escape = NULL]])

		:param	mixed	$key: Name of field to compare, or associative array
		:param	mixed	$value: If a single key, compared to this value
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates the WHERE portion of the query.
                Separates multiple calls with 'AND'.

	.. method:: where_in([$key = NULL[, $values = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$key: Name of field to examine
		:param	array	$values: Array of target values
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a WHERE field IN('item', 'item') SQL query,
                joined with 'AND' if appropriate.

	.. method:: where_not_in([$key = NULL[, $values = NULL[, $escape = NULL]]])

		:param	string	$key: Name of field to examine
		:param	array	$values: Array of target values
		:param	boolean	$escape: Whether to escape values and identifiers
		:returns:	DB_query_builder instance
		:rtype:	object

		Generates a WHERE field NOT IN('item', 'item') SQL query,
                joined with 'AND' if appropriate.