How to create a new field in the same table instead of _cstm through module loader

[archian]

Hi,

I am trying to add a field to the existing database table while installing through Module loader. With custom_fields been provided in manifest.php, this creates a new table with _cstm and adds the corresponding fields to the newly created _cstm table.

Will it be possible for me to add a field to the existing table itself instead of creating a _cstm table and adding the new field? If possible, could you please let me know what is the syntax for providing in the manifest.php?

Thanks,
-Rajesh

[eggsurplus]

This is generally not recommended as the _cstm table is exactly for this purpose. It ensures that your custom fields will live as the product is updated. However, if you really would like to do this set up a vardefs file with the new field(s) and define the vardef in the manifest file like:

 'vardefs' => array(
    array('from'=> '<basepath>/vardefs/modules/MYMODULE/MYMODULE-vardefs.php',
         'to_module'=> 'MYMODULE',
    ),
), 
  

And in the MYMODULE-vardefs.php file:

 $dictionary['MYMODULE']['fields'] = array_merge ($dictionary['MYMODULE']['fields'],
array(
    'MYFIELD'=>
  array (
    'name' => 'MYFIELD',
    'vname' => 'LBL_MYFIELD',
    'type' => 'char',
    'len'=>155,
  ),
)
); 
  

Or optionally add the necessary SQL statements to a pre_install script to create the field. The forums have more examples for both.

[andydreisch]

Hi archian, further to eggsurplus's comments, which are spot on, my question is ... why do you feel compelled to make this change in this way? Can you describe what you perceive as the pros/cons of incorporating the field in a base table?

Thanks,

Andy