Table short name and queries

As far as i can see (without testing my-self), you have a syntax error in your example code.
You have `n` not `news` and order_by must have those tables in-front of table columns as well

PHP Code:

$db      = \Config\Database::connect();
$builder = $db->table('news n');
$builder->select('n.id, n.title, n.created_at, n.is_active, u.firstname')
    ->join('users u','n.createdby_id = u.id','left')
    ->orderBy('n.is_active DESC, n.title ASC');
$query = $builder->get(); 


I often use many joins, the biggest i have i think was 9 joins
1. you can collect all your selects first

PHP Code:

$select = 'table1.field1';
$select .= ', table2.field2, table2.field3, table2.field4';
$select .= ', table3.field8, table3.field9';

$db = \Config\Database::connect();
$builder = $db->table('table1');
$builder->select($select)
 ->join('table2', '...', 'left')
 ->join('table3', '...', 'left'); 


2. you can use manually written query

PHP Code:

$sql = 'SELECT field1 FROM table1 WHERE id = 10';
$results = $this->db->query($sql)->getResultArray(); 


P.S. i never shorten database table names. Yes - it's longer writing, but:
- if you have error - easier to spot which table / column issue you have in query
- if i have like 5 joins, then tables like `n`, `u`, `m`, `i` - in the big picture does not make sense
- if you need to change table name - long table name can be find / replaced easily in all instances, because in 99% it will be unique, with shortening try to find / replace `n` in code !