What\'s the Difference Between `$model->relation()` and `$model->relation` in Laravel?

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Understanding $model->relation() vs $model->relation

In Laravel, the syntax $model->relation() and $model->relation are often used to access model relationships. However, they differ significantly in their functionality.

$model->relation()

$model->relation() invokes the relationship method defined in the model. This method returns the actual relationship object, which allows further query customization. For example:

<code class="php">$distributors = $store->distributors()->where('priority', '>', 4);</code>

$model->relation

$model->relation retrieves the result of the relationship. Laravel dynamically creates getter methods for relationships, allowing you to access them as model properties. This syntax automatically fetches the relationship data and returns the result as a collection. Example:

<code class="php">$distributors = $store->distributors;</code>

Key Differences

• Return Type: $model->relation() returns the relationship object, while $model->relation returns the result of the relationship.
• Query Customization: $model->relation() allows further query customization before fetching the results, while $model->relation retrieves the results based on the default query defined in the relationship method.
• Dynamic Properties: $model->relation leverages the dynamic relationship properties feature of Laravel to automatically create getter methods.

Use Cases

• Use $model->relation() when you need to modify the relationship query before fetching the results.
• Use $model->relation when you simply want to retrieve the relationship data without any customizations.

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