Variables in Model Classes

Hey there! New to CodeIgniter and trying my best to keep this project streamlined and within the "best practices" parameters as much as possible.

My question: Is is ok to have variables in a model class that are not in the database? I Category and Page model classes, and in my controller I'd like to create an array of Page objects in the Category class to use in the View.

Thanks!

There is no hard and fast rule, as far as CI is concerned.

My own practice is to use a Library for derived or run-time variables, with the Library calling the Model, which only contains variables that correspond to the database.

I did this for logical separation, but also convenience. It's very easy to save or load a Model that has a 1:1 between variables and db fields. From a programming standpoint I just call the Library from my Controller and it is up to the Library to know whether the variable comes from the Library or the Model.

I took inspiration for this methodology from the Ion-Auth library. You'll find some helpful magic methods in his Library files for doing this.

Hello,
I advise you for your var to declare its like that :

PHP Code:

private $var1 ; 


and then, to make the getter or setter that you need. You will improve your security if you just need read some variables.
Have a good day.