mergeContent() combines multiple values into one rendered column.
Purpose
mergeContent() combines multiple values into one rendered column. It lets a controller customize Aksara Core behavior while keeping the request inside the built-in CRUD, rendering, permission, validation, and response pipeline.
When to Use
Use it when the generated table, form, or read view is mostly correct but one or more fields need custom behavior.
Reference
mergeContent(string $magicString, ?string $alias = null, ?string $callback = null)
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$magicString | string | Yes | - | Template containing fields wrapped with double curly braces. |
$alias | ?string | No | null | Displayed label or SQL alias. |
$callback | ?string | No | null | Controller method name used for custom validation. |
Return Value
static
Returns the current controller instance so it can be chained with other Core methods.
Behavior
mergeContent() updates field metadata used by the renderer. The generated output changes when the table, read, or form view is rendered.
Basic Usage
$this->mergeContent('{{ first_name }} {{ last_name }}', phrase('Full Name'));
return $this->render('orders');
Advanced Usage
$this->setAlias(['created_at' => phrase('Created'), 'updated_at' => phrase('Updated')])
->setValidation(['title' => 'required|max_length[160]', 'status' => 'required'])
->fieldOrder('title, slug, status, created_at');
Complete Example
namespace Modules\Orders\Controllers;
use Aksara\Laboratory\Core;
class Orders extends Core
{
public function index()
{
$this->setTitle(phrase('Orders'))
->mergeContent('{{ first_name }} {{ last_name }}', phrase('Full Name'));
return $this->render('orders');
}
}
Result
The generated table, form, or read view uses the configured field behavior when the response is prepared.
Notes
- This method is chainable and returns the current controller instance.
- Field names must match table columns, selected aliases, relation aliases, or mock fields.
- Most field configuration methods accept a single field/value pair or an associative array for bulk configuration.
Common Mistakes
- Using a field name that is not present in the selected data.
- Expecting the method to output HTML immediately instead of configuring the renderer.
