Active Record Class output sql instead of executing

[eluser]newsun[/eluser]
I am wondering if there is a way to output sql from an active record call instead of executing it on the db?

During development I like visually verify that what I wrote is outputting the correct sql.

[eluser]frietkot[/eluser]
Just use the print_r() (or var_dump) function instead of echo or print.

[eluser]xwero[/eluser]
only the select statements can be shown using db->_compile_select(), the 'write' statements just pass the necessary parts to the driver method.

If you use the AR library it will always output valid sql but if it's the sql statement you wanted that is another question.

[eluser]newsun[/eluser]
Hmm ok, I might have to add that in as it's really handy for verification during development. If I do, I will post my changes so others can use as well.

[eluser]xwero[/eluser]
I just did a bit a checking and the methods _compile_select, _insert, _update, _truncate and _delete can be used to retrieve the sql statement but then all the parts of the sql statement have to be declared before the action method so instead of writing

Code:

$query = $this->db->get('table');

You have to write

Code:

$this->db->from('table');
$query = $this->db->get();

If you follow this rule you can use following helper

Code:

// helpers/db_debug.php
<?php
function show_select()
{
    $CI =& get_instance();
    return $CI->db->_compile_select();
}

function show_insert()
{
    $CI =& get_instance();
    return $CI->db->_insert();
}

function show_update()
{
    $CI =& get_instance();
    return $CI->db->_update();
}

function show_truncate()
{
    $CI =& get_instance();
    return $CI->db->_truncate();
}

function show_delete()
{
    $CI =& get_instance();
    return $CI->db->_delete();
}