Module: ActiveRecord::QueryMethods

Includes:
ActiveModel::ForbiddenAttributesProtection
Included in:
Relation
Defined in:
lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb

Defined Under Namespace

Classes: WhereChain

Constant Summary collapse

FROZEN_EMPTY_ARRAY = 
[].freeze
FROZEN_EMPTY_HASH = 
{}.freeze
VALID_UNSCOPING_VALUES = 
Set.new([:where, :select, :group, :order, :lock,
:limit, :offset, :joins, :left_outer_joins, :annotate,
:includes, :from, :readonly, :having, :optimizer_hints])

Instance Method Summary collapse

Instance Method Details

#_select!(*fields) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



317
318
319
320
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 317

def _select!(*fields) # :nodoc:
  self.select_values |= fields
  self
end

#and(other) ⇒ Object

Returns a new relation, which is the logical intersection of this relation and the one passed as an argument.

The two relations must be structurally compatible: they must be scoping the same model, and they must differ only by #where (if no #group has been defined) or #having (if a #group is present).

Post.where(id: [1, 2]).and(Post.where(id: [2, 3]))
# SELECT `posts`.* FROM `posts` WHERE `posts`.`id` IN (1, 2) AND `posts`.`id` IN (2, 3)



845
846
847
848
849
850
851
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 845

def and(other)
  if other.is_a?(Relation)
    spawn.and!(other)
  else
    raise ArgumentError, "You have passed #{other.class.name} object to #and. Pass an ActiveRecord::Relation object instead."
  end
end

#and!(other) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



853
854
855
856
857
858
859
860
861
862
863
864
865
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 853

def and!(other) # :nodoc:
  incompatible_values = structurally_incompatible_values_for(other)

  unless incompatible_values.empty?
    raise ArgumentError, "Relation passed to #and must be structurally compatible. Incompatible values: #{incompatible_values}"
  end

  self.where_clause |= other.where_clause
  self.having_clause |= other.having_clause
  self.references_values |= other.references_values

  self
end

#annotate(*args) ⇒ Object

Adds an SQL comment to queries generated from this relation. For example:

User.annotate("selecting user names").select(:name)
# SELECT "users"."name" FROM "users" /* selecting user names */

User.annotate("selecting", "user", "names").select(:name)
# SELECT "users"."name" FROM "users" /* selecting */ /* user */ /* names */

The SQL block comment delimiters, “/*” and “*/”, will be added automatically.



1219
1220
1221
1222
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1219

def annotate(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.annotate!(*args)
end

#annotate!(*args) ⇒ Object

Like #annotate, but modifies relation in place.



1225
1226
1227
1228
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1225

def annotate!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.annotate_values += args
  self
end

#arel(aliases = nil) ⇒ Object

Returns the Arel object associated with the relation.



1280
1281
1282
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1280

def arel(aliases = nil) # :nodoc:
  @arel ||= build_arel(aliases)
end

#construct_join_dependency(associations, join_type) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1284
1285
1286
1287
1288
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1284

def construct_join_dependency(associations, join_type) # :nodoc:
  ActiveRecord::Associations::JoinDependency.new(
    klass, table, associations, join_type
  )
end

#create_with(value) ⇒ Object

Sets attributes to be used when creating new records from a relation object.

users = User.where(name: 'Oscar')
users.new.name # => 'Oscar'

users = users.create_with(name: 'DHH')
users.new.name # => 'DHH'

You can pass nil to #create_with to reset attributes:

users = users.create_with(nil)
users.new.name # => 'Oscar'



1038
1039
1040
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1038

def create_with(value)
  spawn.create_with!(value)
end

#create_with!(value) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1042

def create_with!(value) # :nodoc:
  if value
    value = sanitize_forbidden_attributes(value)
    self.create_with_value = create_with_value.merge(value)
  else
    self.create_with_value = FROZEN_EMPTY_HASH
  end

  self
end

#distinct(value = true) ⇒ Object

Specifies whether the records should be unique or not. For example:

User.select(:name)
# Might return two records with the same name

User.select(:name).distinct
# Returns 1 record per distinct name

User.select(:name).distinct.distinct(false)
# You can also remove the uniqueness



1102
1103
1104
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1102

def distinct(value = true)
  spawn.distinct!(value)
end

#distinct!(value = true) ⇒ Object

Like #distinct, but modifies relation in place.



1107
1108
1109
1110
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1107

def distinct!(value = true) # :nodoc:
  self.distinct_value = value
  self
end

#eager_load(*args) ⇒ Object

Forces eager loading by performing a LEFT OUTER JOIN on args:

User.eager_load(:posts)
# SELECT "users"."id" AS t0_r0, "users"."name" AS t0_r1, ...
# FROM "users" LEFT OUTER JOIN "posts" ON "posts"."user_id" =
# "users"."id"



207
208
209
210
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 207

def eager_load(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.eager_load!(*args)
end

#eager_load!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



212
213
214
215
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 212

def eager_load!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.eager_load_values |= args
  self
end

#excluding(*records) ⇒ Object Also known as: without

Excludes the specified record (or collection of records) from the resulting relation. For example:

Post.excluding(post)
# SELECT "posts".* FROM "posts" WHERE "posts"."id" != 1

Post.excluding(post_one, post_two)
# SELECT "posts".* FROM "posts" WHERE "posts"."id" NOT IN (1, 2)

This can also be called on associations. As with the above example, either a single record of collection thereof may be specified:

post = Post.find(1)
comment = Comment.find(2)
post.comments.excluding(comment)
# SELECT "comments".* FROM "comments" WHERE "comments"."post_id" = 1 AND "comments"."id" != 2

This is short-hand for .where.not(id: post.id) and .where.not(id: [post_one.id, post_two.id]).

An ArgumentError will be raised if either no records are specified, or if any of the records in the collection (if a collection is passed in) are not instances of the same model that the relation is scoping.



1261
1262
1263
1264
1265
1266
1267
1268
1269
1270
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1261

def excluding(*records)
  records.flatten!(1)
  records.compact!

  unless records.all?(klass)
    raise ArgumentError, "You must only pass a single or collection of #{klass.name} objects to ##{__callee__}."
  end

  spawn.excluding!(records)
end

#excluding!(records) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1273
1274
1275
1276
1277
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1273

def excluding!(records) # :nodoc:
  predicates = [ predicate_builder[primary_key, records].invert ]
  self.where_clause += Relation::WhereClause.new(predicates)
  self
end

#extending(*modules, &block) ⇒ Object

Used to extend a scope with additional methods, either through a module or through a block provided.

The object returned is a relation, which can be further extended.

Using a module

module Pagination
  def page(number)
    # pagination code goes here
  end
end

scope = Model.all.extending(Pagination)
scope.page(params[:page])

You can also pass a list of modules:

scope = Model.all.extending(Pagination, SomethingElse)

Using a block

scope = Model.all.extending do
  def page(number)
    # pagination code goes here
  end
end
scope.page(params[:page])

You can also use a block and a module list:

scope = Model.all.extending(Pagination) do
  def per_page(number)
    # pagination code goes here
  end
end



1148
1149
1150
1151
1152
1153
1154
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1148

def extending(*modules, &block)
  if modules.any? || block
    spawn.extending!(*modules, &block)
  else
    self
  end
end

#extending!(*modules, &block) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1156
1157
1158
1159
1160
1161
1162
1163
1164
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1156

def extending!(*modules, &block) # :nodoc:
  modules << Module.new(&block) if block
  modules.flatten!

  self.extending_values += modules
  extend(*extending_values) if extending_values.any?

  self
end

#extract_associated(association) ⇒ Object

Extracts a named association from the relation. The named association is first preloaded, then the individual association records are collected from the relation. Like so:

.memberships.extract_associated(:user)
# => Returns collection of User records

This is short-hand for:

.memberships.preload(:user).collect(&:user)



240
241
242
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 240

def extract_associated(association)
  preload(association).collect(&association)
end

#from(value, subquery_name = nil) ⇒ Object

Specifies the table from which the records will be fetched. For example:

Topic.select('title').from('posts')
# SELECT title FROM posts

Can accept other relation objects. For example:

Topic.select('title').from(Topic.approved)
# SELECT title FROM (SELECT * FROM topics WHERE approved = 't') subquery

Passing a second argument (string or symbol), creates the alias for the SQL from clause. Otherwise the alias “subquery” is used:

Topic.select('a.title').from(Topic.approved, :a)
# SELECT a.title FROM (SELECT * FROM topics WHERE approved = 't') a

It does not add multiple arguments to the SQL from clause. The last from chained is the one used:

Topic.select('title').from(Topic.approved).from(Topic.inactive)
# SELECT title FROM (SELECT topics.* FROM topics WHERE topics.active = 'f') subquery

For multiple arguments for the SQL from clause, you can pass a string with the exact elements in the SQL from list:

color = "red"
Color
  .from("colors c, JSONB_ARRAY_ELEMENTS(colored_things) AS colorvalues(colorvalue)")
  .where("colorvalue->>'color' = ?", color)
  .select("c.*").to_a
# SELECT c.*
# FROM colors c, JSONB_ARRAY_ELEMENTS(colored_things) AS colorvalues(colorvalue)
# WHERE (colorvalue->>'color' = 'red')



1083
1084
1085
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1083

def from(value, subquery_name = nil)
  spawn.from!(value, subquery_name)
end

#from!(value, subquery_name = nil) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1087
1088
1089
1090
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1087

def from!(value, subquery_name = nil) # :nodoc:
  self.from_clause = Relation::FromClause.new(value, subquery_name)
  self
end

#group(*args) ⇒ Object

Allows to specify a group attribute:

User.group(:name)
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" GROUP BY name

Returns an array with distinct records based on the group attribute:

User.select([:id, :name])
# => [#<User id: 1, name: "Oscar">, #<User id: 2, name: "Oscar">, #<User id: 3, name: "Foo">]

User.group(:name)
# => [#<User id: 3, name: "Foo", ...>, #<User id: 2, name: "Oscar", ...>]

User.group('name AS grouped_name, age')
# => [#<User id: 3, name: "Foo", age: 21, ...>, #<User id: 2, name: "Oscar", age: 21, ...>, #<User id: 5, name: "Foo", age: 23, ...>]

Passing in an array of attributes to group by is also supported.

User.select([:id, :first_name]).group(:id, :first_name).first(3)
# => [#<User id: 1, first_name: "Bill">, #<User id: 2, first_name: "Earl">, #<User id: 3, first_name: "Beto">]



363
364
365
366
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 363

def group(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.group!(*args)
end

#group!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



368
369
370
371
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 368

def group!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.group_values += args
  self
end

#having(opts, *rest) ⇒ Object

Allows to specify a HAVING clause. Note that you can't use HAVING without also specifying a GROUP clause.

Order.having('SUM(price) > 30').group('user_id')



903
904
905
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 903

def having(opts, *rest)
  opts.blank? ? self : spawn.having!(opts, *rest)
end

#having!(opts, *rest) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



907
908
909
910
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 907

def having!(opts, *rest) # :nodoc:
  self.having_clause += build_having_clause(opts, rest)
  self
end

#in_order_of(column, values) ⇒ Object

Allows to specify an order by a specific set of values. Depending on your adapter this will either use a CASE statement or a built-in function.

User.in_order_of(:id, [1, 5, 3])
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users"
#   ORDER BY FIELD("users"."id", 1, 5, 3)
#   WHERE "users"."id" IN (1, 5, 3)



447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 447

def in_order_of(column, values)
  klass.disallow_raw_sql!([column], permit: connection.column_name_with_order_matcher)
  return spawn.none! if values.empty?

  references = column_references([column])
  self.references_values |= references unless references.empty?

  values = values.map { |value| type_caster.type_cast_for_database(column, value) }
  arel_column = column.is_a?(Symbol) ? order_column(column.to_s) : column

  spawn
    .order!(connection.field_ordered_value(arel_column, values))
    .where!(arel_column.in(values))
end

#includes(*args) ⇒ Object

Specify relationships to be included in the result set. For example:

users = User.includes(:address)
users.each do |user|
  user.address.city
end

allows you to access the address attribute of the User model without firing an additional query. This will often result in a performance improvement over a simple join.

You can also specify multiple relationships, like this:

users = User.includes(:address, :friends)

Loading nested relationships is possible using a Hash:

users = User.includes(:address, friends: [:address, :followers])

Conditions

If you want to add string conditions to your included models, you'll have to explicitly reference them. For example:

User.includes(:posts).where('posts.name = ?', 'example')

Will throw an error, but this will work:

User.includes(:posts).where('posts.name = ?', 'example').references(:posts)

Note that #includes works with association names while #references needs the actual table name.

If you pass the conditions via hash, you don't need to call #references explicitly, as #where references the tables for you. For example, this will work correctly:

User.includes(:posts).where(posts: { name: 'example' })



191
192
193
194
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 191

def includes(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.includes!(*args)
end

#includes!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



196
197
198
199
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 196

def includes!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.includes_values |= args
  self
end

#invert_where ⇒ Object

Allows you to invert an entire where clause instead of manually applying conditions.

class User
  scope :active, -> { where(accepted: true, locked: false) }
end

User.where(accepted: true)
# WHERE `accepted` = 1

User.where(accepted: true).invert_where
# WHERE `accepted` != 1

User.active
# WHERE `accepted` = 1 AND `locked` = 0

User.active.invert_where
# WHERE NOT (`accepted` = 1 AND `locked` = 0)

Be careful because this inverts all conditions before invert_where call.

class User
  scope :active, -> { where(accepted: true, locked: false) }
  scope :inactive, -> { active.invert_where } # Do not attempt it
end

# It also inverts `where(role: 'admin')` unexpectedly.
User.where(role: 'admin').inactive
# WHERE NOT (`role` = 'admin' AND `accepted` = 1 AND `locked` = 0)



811
812
813
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 811

def invert_where
  spawn.invert_where!
end

#invert_where! ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



815
816
817
818
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 815

def invert_where! # :nodoc:
  self.where_clause = where_clause.invert
  self
end

#joins(*args) ⇒ Object

Performs JOINs on args. The given symbol(s) should match the name of the association(s).

User.joins(:posts)
# SELECT "users".*
# FROM "users"
# INNER JOIN "posts" ON "posts"."user_id" = "users"."id"

Multiple joins:

User.joins(:posts, :account)
# SELECT "users".*
# FROM "users"
# INNER JOIN "posts" ON "posts"."user_id" = "users"."id"
# INNER JOIN "accounts" ON "accounts"."id" = "users"."account_id"

Nested joins:

User.joins(posts: [:comments])
# SELECT "users".*
# FROM "users"
# INNER JOIN "posts" ON "posts"."user_id" = "users"."id"
# INNER JOIN "comments" ON "comments"."post_id" = "posts"."id"

You can use strings in order to customize your joins:

User.joins("LEFT JOIN bookmarks ON bookmarks.bookmarkable_type = 'Post' AND bookmarks.user_id = users.id")
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" LEFT JOIN bookmarks ON bookmarks.bookmarkable_type = 'Post' AND bookmarks.user_id = users.id



586
587
588
589
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 586

def joins(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.joins!(*args)
end

#joins!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



591
592
593
594
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 591

def joins!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.joins_values |= args
  self
end

#left_outer_joins(*args) ⇒ Object Also known as: left_joins

Performs LEFT OUTER JOINs on args:

User.left_outer_joins(:posts)
=> SELECT "users".* FROM "users" LEFT OUTER JOIN "posts" ON "posts"."user_id" = "users"."id"



601
602
603
604
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 601

def left_outer_joins(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.left_outer_joins!(*args)
end

#left_outer_joins!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



607
608
609
610
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 607

def left_outer_joins!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.left_outer_joins_values |= args
  self
end

#limit(value) ⇒ Object

Specifies a limit for the number of records to retrieve.

User.limit(10) # generated SQL has 'LIMIT 10'

User.limit(10).limit(20) # generated SQL has 'LIMIT 20'



917
918
919
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 917

def limit(value)
  spawn.limit!(value)
end

#limit!(value) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



921
922
923
924
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 921

def limit!(value) # :nodoc:
  self.limit_value = value
  self
end

#lock(locks = true) ⇒ Object

Specifies locking settings (default to true). For more information on locking, please see ActiveRecord::Locking.



944
945
946
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 944

def lock(locks = true)
  spawn.lock!(locks)
end

#lock!(locks = true) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 948

def lock!(locks = true) # :nodoc:
  case locks
  when String, TrueClass, NilClass
    self.lock_value = locks || true
  else
    self.lock_value = false
  end

  self
end

#none ⇒ Object

Returns a chainable relation with zero records.

The returned relation implements the Null Object pattern. It is an object with defined null behavior and always returns an empty array of records without querying the database.

Any subsequent condition chained to the returned relation will continue generating an empty relation and will not fire any query to the database.

Used in cases where a method or scope could return zero records but the result needs to be chainable.

For example:

@posts = current_user.visible_posts.where(name: params[:name])
# the visible_posts method is expected to return a chainable Relation

def visible_posts
  case role
  when 'Country Manager'
    Post.where(country: country)
  when 'Reviewer'
    Post.published
  when 'Bad User'
    Post.none # It can't be chained if [] is returned.
  end
end



987
988
989
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 987

def none
  spawn.none!
end

#none! ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



991
992
993
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 991

def none! # :nodoc:
  where!("1=0").extending!(NullRelation)
end

#offset(value) ⇒ Object

Specifies the number of rows to skip before returning rows.

User.offset(10) # generated SQL has "OFFSET 10"

Should be used with order.

User.offset(10).order("name ASC")



933
934
935
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 933

def offset(value)
  spawn.offset!(value)
end

#offset!(value) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



937
938
939
940
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 937

def offset!(value) # :nodoc:
  self.offset_value = value
  self
end

#optimizer_hints(*args) ⇒ Object

Specify optimizer hints to be used in the SELECT statement.

Example (for MySQL):

Topic.optimizer_hints("MAX_EXECUTION_TIME(50000)", "NO_INDEX_MERGE(topics)")
# SELECT /*+ MAX_EXECUTION_TIME(50000) NO_INDEX_MERGE(topics) */ `topics`.* FROM `topics`

Example (for PostgreSQL with pg_hint_plan):

Topic.optimizer_hints("SeqScan(topics)", "Parallel(topics 8)")
# SELECT /*+ SeqScan(topics) Parallel(topics 8) */ "topics".* FROM "topics"



1177
1178
1179
1180
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1177

def optimizer_hints(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.optimizer_hints!(*args)
end

#optimizer_hints!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1182
1183
1184
1185
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1182

def optimizer_hints!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.optimizer_hints_values |= args
  self
end

#or(other) ⇒ Object

Returns a new relation, which is the logical union of this relation and the one passed as an argument.

The two relations must be structurally compatible: they must be scoping the same model, and they must differ only by #where (if no #group has been defined) or #having (if a #group is present).

Post.where("id = 1").or(Post.where("author_id = 3"))
# SELECT `posts`.* FROM `posts` WHERE ((id = 1) OR (author_id = 3))



877
878
879
880
881
882
883
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 877

def or(other)
  if other.is_a?(Relation)
    spawn.or!(other)
  else
    raise ArgumentError, "You have passed #{other.class.name} object to #or. Pass an ActiveRecord::Relation object instead."
  end
end

#or!(other) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892
893
894
895
896
897
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 885

def or!(other) # :nodoc:
  incompatible_values = structurally_incompatible_values_for(other)

  unless incompatible_values.empty?
    raise ArgumentError, "Relation passed to #or must be structurally compatible. Incompatible values: #{incompatible_values}"
  end

  self.where_clause = self.where_clause.or(other.where_clause)
  self.having_clause = having_clause.or(other.having_clause)
  self.references_values |= other.references_values

  self
end

#order(*args) ⇒ Object

Applies an ORDER BY clause to a query.

#order accepts arguments in one of several formats.

symbols

The symbol represents the name of the column you want to order the results by.

User.order(:name)
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY "users"."name" ASC

By default, the order is ascending. If you want descending order, you can map the column name symbol to :desc.

User.order(email: :desc)
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY "users"."email" DESC

Multiple columns can be passed this way, and they will be applied in the order specified.

User.order(:name, email: :desc)
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY "users"."name" ASC, "users"."email" DESC

strings

Strings are passed directly to the database, allowing you to specify simple SQL expressions.

This could be a source of SQL injection, so only strings composed of plain column names and simple function(column_name) expressions with optional ASC/DESC modifiers are allowed.

User.order('name')
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY name

User.order('name DESC')
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY name DESC

User.order('name DESC, email')
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY name DESC, email

Arel

If you need to pass in complicated expressions that you have verified are safe for the database, you can use Arel.

User.order(Arel.sql('end_date - start_date'))
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY end_date - start_date

Custom query syntax, like JSON columns for Postgres, is supported in this way.

User.order(Arel.sql("payload->>'kind'"))
# SELECT "users".* FROM "users" ORDER BY payload->>'kind'



425
426
427
428
429
430
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 425

def order(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args) do
    sanitize_order_arguments(args)
  end
  spawn.order!(*args)
end

#order!(*args) ⇒ Object

Same as #order but operates on relation in-place instead of copying.



433
434
435
436
437
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 433

def order!(*args) # :nodoc:
  preprocess_order_args(args) unless args.empty?
  self.order_values |= args
  self
end

#preload(*args) ⇒ Object

Allows preloading of args, in the same way that #includes does:

User.preload(:posts)
# SELECT "posts".* FROM "posts" WHERE "posts"."user_id" IN (1, 2, 3)



221
222
223
224
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 221

def preload(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.preload!(*args)
end

#preload!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



226
227
228
229
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 226

def preload!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.preload_values |= args
  self
end

#readonly(value = true) ⇒ Object

Sets readonly attributes for the returned relation. If value is true (default), attempting to update a record will result in an error.

users = User.readonly
users.first.save
=> ActiveRecord::ReadOnlyRecord: User is marked as readonly



1001
1002
1003
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1001

def readonly(value = true)
  spawn.readonly!(value)
end

#readonly!(value = true) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1005
1006
1007
1008
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1005

def readonly!(value = true) # :nodoc:
  self.readonly_value = value
  self
end

#references(*table_names) ⇒ Object

Use to indicate that the given table_names are referenced by an SQL string, and should therefore be JOINed in any query rather than loaded separately. This method only works in conjunction with #includes. See #includes for more details.

User.includes(:posts).where("posts.name = 'foo'")
# Doesn't JOIN the posts table, resulting in an error.

User.includes(:posts).where("posts.name = 'foo'").references(:posts)
# Query now knows the string references posts, so adds a JOIN



254
255
256
257
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 254

def references(*table_names)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, table_names)
  spawn.references!(*table_names)
end

#references!(*table_names) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



259
260
261
262
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 259

def references!(*table_names) # :nodoc:
  self.references_values |= table_names
  self
end

#reorder(*args) ⇒ Object

Replaces any existing order defined on the relation with the specified order.

User.order('email DESC').reorder('id ASC') # generated SQL has 'ORDER BY id ASC'

Subsequent calls to order on the same relation will be appended. For example:

User.order('email DESC').reorder('id ASC').order('name ASC')

generates a query with 'ORDER BY id ASC, name ASC'.



471
472
473
474
475
476
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 471

def reorder(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args) do
    sanitize_order_arguments(args)
  end
  spawn.reorder!(*args)
end

#reorder!(*args) ⇒ Object

Same as #reorder but operates on relation in-place instead of copying.



479
480
481
482
483
484
485
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 479

def reorder!(*args) # :nodoc:
  preprocess_order_args(args)
  args.uniq!
  self.reordering_value = true
  self.order_values = args
  self
end

#reselect(*args) ⇒ Object

Allows you to change a previously set select statement.

Post.select(:title, :body)
# SELECT `posts`.`title`, `posts`.`body` FROM `posts`

Post.select(:title, :body).reselect(:created_at)
# SELECT `posts`.`created_at` FROM `posts`

This is short-hand for unscope(:select).select(fields). Note that we're unscoping the entire select statement.



332
333
334
335
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 332

def reselect(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.reselect!(*args)
end

#reselect!(*args) ⇒ Object

Same as #reselect but operates on relation in-place instead of copying.



338
339
340
341
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 338

def reselect!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.select_values = args
  self
end

#reverse_order ⇒ Object

Reverse the existing order clause on the relation.

User.order('name ASC').reverse_order # generated SQL has 'ORDER BY name DESC'



1190
1191
1192
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1190

def reverse_order
  spawn.reverse_order!
end

#reverse_order! ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1194
1195
1196
1197
1198
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1194

def reverse_order! # :nodoc:
  orders = order_values.compact_blank
  self.order_values = reverse_sql_order(orders)
  self
end

#rewhere(conditions) ⇒ Object

Allows you to change a previously set where condition for a given attribute, instead of appending to that condition.

Post.where(trashed: true).where(trashed: false)
# WHERE `trashed` = 1 AND `trashed` = 0

Post.where(trashed: true).rewhere(trashed: false)
# WHERE `trashed` = 0

Post.where(active: true).where(trashed: true).rewhere(trashed: false)
# WHERE `active` = 1 AND `trashed` = 0

This is short-hand for unscope(where: conditions.keys).where(conditions). Note that unlike reorder, we're only unscoping the named conditions – not the entire where statement.



773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 773

def rewhere(conditions)
  scope = spawn
  where_clause = scope.build_where_clause(conditions)

  scope.unscope!(where: where_clause.extract_attributes)
  scope.where_clause += where_clause
  scope
end

#select(*fields) ⇒ Object

Works in two unique ways.

First: takes a block so it can be used just like Array#select.

Model.all.select { |m| m.field == value }

This will build an array of objects from the database for the scope, converting them into an array and iterating through them using Array#select.

Second: Modifies the SELECT statement for the query so that only certain fields are retrieved:

Model.select(:field)
# => [#<Model id: nil, field: "value">]

Although in the above example it looks as though this method returns an array, it actually returns a relation object and can have other query methods appended to it, such as the other methods in ActiveRecord::QueryMethods.

The argument to the method can also be an array of fields.

Model.select(:field, :other_field, :and_one_more)
# => [#<Model id: nil, field: "value", other_field: "value", and_one_more: "value">]

You can also use one or more strings, which will be used unchanged as SELECT fields.

Model.select('field AS field_one', 'other_field AS field_two')
# => [#<Model id: nil, field: "value", other_field: "value">]

If an alias was specified, it will be accessible from the resulting objects:

Model.select('field AS field_one').first.field_one
# => "value"

Accessing attributes of an object that do not have fields retrieved by a select except id will throw ActiveModel::MissingAttributeError:

Model.select(:field).first.other_field
# => ActiveModel::MissingAttributeError: missing attribute: other_field



304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 304

def select(*fields)
  if block_given?
    if fields.any?
      raise ArgumentError, "`select' with block doesn't take arguments."
    end

    return super()
  end

  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, fields, "Call `select' with at least one field.")
  spawn._select!(*fields)
end

#skip_preloading! ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1205
1206
1207
1208
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1205

def skip_preloading! # :nodoc:
  self.skip_preloading_value = true
  self
end

#skip_query_cache!(value = true) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1200
1201
1202
1203
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1200

def skip_query_cache!(value = true) # :nodoc:
  self.skip_query_cache_value = value
  self
end

#strict_loading(value = true) ⇒ Object

Sets the returned relation to strict_loading mode. This will raise an error if the record tries to lazily load an association.

user = User.strict_loading.first
user.comments.to_a
=> ActiveRecord::StrictLoadingViolationError



1016
1017
1018
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1016

def strict_loading(value = true)
  spawn.strict_loading!(value)
end

#strict_loading!(value = true) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



1020
1021
1022
1023
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1020

def strict_loading!(value = true) # :nodoc:
  self.strict_loading_value = value
  self
end

#structurally_compatible?(other) ⇒ Boolean

Checks whether the given relation is structurally compatible with this relation, to determine if it's possible to use the #and and #or methods without raising an error. Structurally compatible is defined as: they must be scoping the same model, and they must differ only by #where (if no #group has been defined) or #having (if a #group is present).

Post.where("id = 1").structurally_compatible?(Post.where("author_id = 3"))
# => true

Post.joins(:comments).structurally_compatible?(Post.where("id = 1"))
# => false

Returns:

  • (Boolean) 


831
832
833
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 831

def structurally_compatible?(other)
  structurally_incompatible_values_for(other).empty?
end

#uniq!(name) ⇒ Object

Deduplicate multiple values.



1231
1232
1233
1234
1235
1236
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 1231

def uniq!(name)
  if values = @values[name]
    values.uniq! if values.is_a?(Array) && !values.empty?
  end
  self
end

#unscope(*args) ⇒ Object

Removes an unwanted relation that is already defined on a chain of relations. This is useful when passing around chains of relations and would like to modify the relations without reconstructing the entire chain.

User.order('email DESC').unscope(:order) == User.all

The method arguments are symbols which correspond to the names of the methods which should be unscoped. The valid arguments are given in VALID_UNSCOPING_VALUES. The method can also be called with multiple arguments. For example:

User.order('email DESC').select('id').where(name: "John")
    .unscope(:order, :select, :where) == User.all

One can additionally pass a hash as an argument to unscope specific :where values. This is done by passing a hash with a single key-value pair. The key should be :where and the value should be the where value to unscope. For example:

User.where(name: "John", active: true).unscope(where: :name)
    == User.where(active: true)

This method is similar to #except, but unlike #except, it persists across merges:

User.order('email').merge(User.except(:order))
    == User.order('email')

User.order('email').merge(User.unscope(:order))
    == User.all

This means it can be used in association definitions:

has_many :comments, -> { unscope(where: :trashed) }



524
525
526
527
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 524

def unscope(*args)
  check_if_method_has_arguments!(__callee__, args)
  spawn.unscope!(*args)
end

#unscope!(*args) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 529

def unscope!(*args) # :nodoc:
  self.unscope_values += args

  args.each do |scope|
    case scope
    when Symbol
      scope = :left_outer_joins if scope == :left_joins
      if !VALID_UNSCOPING_VALUES.include?(scope)
        raise ArgumentError, "Called unscope() with invalid unscoping argument ':#{scope}'. Valid arguments are :#{VALID_UNSCOPING_VALUES.to_a.join(", :")}."
      end
      assert_mutability!
      @values.delete(scope)
    when Hash
      scope.each do |key, target_value|
        if key != :where
          raise ArgumentError, "Hash arguments in .unscope(*args) must have :where as the key."
        end

        target_values = resolve_arel_attributes(Array.wrap(target_value))
        self.where_clause = where_clause.except(*target_values)
      end
    else
      raise ArgumentError, "Unrecognized scoping: #{args.inspect}. Use .unscope(where: :attribute_name) or .unscope(:order), for example."
    end
  end

  self
end

#where(*args) ⇒ Object

Returns a new relation, which is the result of filtering the current relation according to the conditions in the arguments.

#where accepts conditions in one of several formats. In the examples below, the resulting SQL is given as an illustration; the actual query generated may be different depending on the database adapter.

string

A single string, without additional arguments, is passed to the query constructor as an SQL fragment, and used in the where clause of the query.

Client.where("orders_count = '2'")
# SELECT * from clients where orders_count = '2';

Note that building your own string from user input may expose your application to injection attacks if not done properly. As an alternative, it is recommended to use one of the following methods.

array

If an array is passed, then the first element of the array is treated as a template, and the remaining elements are inserted into the template to generate the condition. Active Record takes care of building the query to avoid injection attacks, and will convert from the ruby type to the database type where needed. Elements are inserted into the string in the order in which they appear.

User.where(["name = ? and email = ?", "Joe", "joe@example.com"])
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'Joe' AND email = 'joe@example.com';

Alternatively, you can use named placeholders in the template, and pass a hash as the second element of the array. The names in the template are replaced with the corresponding values from the hash.

User.where(["name = :name and email = :email", { name: "Joe", email: "joe@example.com" }])
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'Joe' AND email = 'joe@example.com';

This can make for more readable code in complex queries.

Lastly, you can use sprintf-style % escapes in the template. This works slightly differently than the previous methods; you are responsible for ensuring that the values in the template are properly quoted. The values are passed to the connector for quoting, but the caller is responsible for ensuring they are enclosed in quotes in the resulting SQL. After quoting, the values are inserted using the same escapes as the Ruby core method Kernel::sprintf.

User.where(["name = '%s' and email = '%s'", "Joe", "joe@example.com"])
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'Joe' AND email = 'joe@example.com';

If #where is called with multiple arguments, these are treated as if they were passed as the elements of a single array.

User.where("name = :name and email = :email", { name: "Joe", email: "joe@example.com" })
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'Joe' AND email = 'joe@example.com';

When using strings to specify conditions, you can use any operator available from the database. While this provides the most flexibility, you can also unintentionally introduce dependencies on the underlying database. If your code is intended for general consumption, test with multiple database backends.

hash

#where will also accept a hash condition, in which the keys are fields and the values are values to be searched for.

Fields can be symbols or strings. Values can be single values, arrays, or ranges.

User.where(name: "Joe", email: "joe@example.com")
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'Joe' AND email = 'joe@example.com'

User.where(name: ["Alice", "Bob"])
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name IN ('Alice', 'Bob')

User.where(created_at: (Time.now.midnight - 1.day)..Time.now.midnight)
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE (created_at BETWEEN '2012-06-09 07:00:00.000000' AND '2012-06-10 07:00:00.000000')

In the case of a belongs_to relationship, an association key can be used to specify the model if an ActiveRecord object is used as the value.

author = Author.find(1)

# The following queries will be equivalent:
Post.where(author: author)
Post.where(author_id: author)

This also works with polymorphic belongs_to relationships:

treasure = Treasure.create(name: 'gold coins')
treasure.price_estimates << PriceEstimate.create(price: 125)

# The following queries will be equivalent:
PriceEstimate.where(estimate_of: treasure)
PriceEstimate.where(estimate_of_type: 'Treasure', estimate_of_id: treasure)

Joins

If the relation is the result of a join, you may create a condition which uses any of the tables in the join. For string and array conditions, use the table name in the condition.

User.joins(:posts).where("posts.created_at < ?", Time.now)

For hash conditions, you can either use the table name in the key, or use a sub-hash.

User.joins(:posts).where("posts.published" => true)
User.joins(:posts).where(posts: { published: true })

no argument

If no argument is passed, #where returns a new instance of WhereChain, that can be chained with WhereChain#not, WhereChain#missing, or WhereChain#associated.

Chaining with WhereChain#not:

User.where.not(name: "Jon")
# SELECT * FROM users WHERE name != 'Jon'

Chaining with WhereChain#associated:

Post.where.associated(:author)
# SELECT "posts".* FROM "posts"
# INNER JOIN "authors" ON "authors"."id" = "posts"."author_id"
# WHERE "authors"."id" IS NOT NULL

Chaining with WhereChain#missing:

Post.where.missing(:author)
# SELECT "posts".* FROM "posts"
# LEFT OUTER JOIN "authors" ON "authors"."id" = "posts"."author_id"
# WHERE "authors"."id" IS NULL

blank condition

If the condition is any blank-ish object, then #where is a no-op and returns the current relation.



745
746
747
748
749
750
751
752
753
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 745

def where(*args)
  if args.empty?
    WhereChain.new(spawn)
  elsif args.length == 1 && args.first.blank?
    self
  else
    spawn.where!(*args)
  end
end

#where!(opts, *rest) ⇒ Object

:nodoc:



755
756
757
758
 
# File 'lib/active_record/relation/query_methods.rb', line 755

def where!(opts, *rest) # :nodoc:
  self.where_clause += build_where_clause(opts, rest)
  self
end