Loading Modules From Models

Most of the time, model files only need database access. That's their job.

But sometimes you need a model to use another module—email sending, file processing, API calls, payment gateways, etc.

Trongate v2 lets you do this explicitly with $this->module().

The Syntax

To use a module from within a model file, explicitly load it first:

That's it. Call $this->module('whatever') before using $this->whatever.

Database vs. Module: The Key Difference

There's an important distinction to understand:

Database Access (No module() call needed)

Module Usage (Requires explicit loading)

Complete Example

Here's a realistic scenario: processing an order that requires database queries, tax calculation, and email sending.

In this example:

• $this->db works automatically (default database)
• $this->analytics works automatically (configured database group)
• $this->tax requires $this->module('tax') first
• $this->email_sender requires $this->module('email_sender') first

Loading Multiple Modules

If you need several modules, load them all at the start of your method for clarity:

Common Use Cases

You'll typically need $this->module() in models when:

• Sending emails after database operations
• Processing payments and updating order records
• Calling external APIs based on database data
• Generating PDFs or files from database content
• Complex calculations that live in separate modules (tax, shipping, discounts)
• Logging or notifications after data changes

What About Controllers?

Controllers work differently. They support both explicit and automatic module loading:

In models, you must use explicit $this->module() calls. This keeps the distinction clear: databases are automatic, modules are explicit.

Troubleshooting

Error: "Undefined property: Model::$something"

You tried to use a module without loading it first.

Fix: Add $this->module('something') before using $this->something.

Error: "Module controller not found"

The module doesn't exist or isn't named correctly.

Check:

• Module directory exists: modules/whatever/
• Controller file exists: modules/whatever/Whatever.php
• Class name matches: class Whatever extends Trongate

Best Practices