Unlocking Efficient Data Storage: Saving One-To-One IDs using Denormalization in API Platform

In the realm of API development, data storage and retrieval can be a significant bottleneck. When dealing with complex relationships between entities, the One-To-One (1:1) relationship is a common scenario. In API Platform, saving 1:1 IDs can be a challenge. This is where denormalization comes to the rescue! In this article, we’ll dive into the world of denormalization, exploring how it can be used to save 1:1 IDs in API Platform, and why it’s an essential technique for efficient data storage.

What is Denormalization?

Denormalization is a database optimization technique that involves storing redundant or duplicated data to improve query performance. By storing the same data in multiple places, denormalization reduces the need for complex joins, making data retrieval faster and more efficient. In the context of API Platform, denormalization can be used to save 1:1 IDs, simplifying data storage and retrieval.

Why Denormalization in API Platform?

API Platform is built on top of Doctrine, a popular PHP ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) tool. While Doctrine provides an efficient way to interact with databases, it can be limited when dealing with complex relationships. Denormalization in API Platform offers a way to overcome these limitations, providing a more efficient and scalable data storage solution.

Understanding One-To-One Relationships in API Platform

In API Platform, a One-To-One (1:1) relationship exists when one entity is related to exactly one other entity. For example, a User entity can have one Address entity, and an Address entity can belong to one User entity. In a typical API Platform setup, these relationships are managed using Doctrine’s Many-To-One and One-To-Many relationships.

// User entity
class User {
    /**
     * @ORM\OneToOne(targetEntity="Address", mappedBy="user")
     */
    private $address;
}

// Address entity
class Address {
    /**
     * @ORM\Id
     * @ORM\GeneratedValue(strategy="IDENTITY")
     * @ORM\Column(type="integer")
     */
    private $id;

    /**
     * @ORM\OneToOne(targetEntity="User", inversedBy="address")
     */
    private $user;
}

The Challenge of Saving 1:1 IDs

In a 1:1 relationship, saving the related ID can be challenging. When creating a new User entity, the related Address entity must also be created and saved. This can lead to complex and inefficient database operations.

Denormalizing 1:1 IDs in API Platform

To denormalize 1:1 IDs in API Platform, we’ll use a separate column to store the related ID. This allows us to save the related ID without the need for complex joins or separate database operations.

// User entity
class User {
    /**
     * @ORM\Column(type="integer")
     */
    private $addressId;
}

Benefits of Denormalization

Denormalizing 1:1 IDs in API Platform offers several benefits:

• Faster Data Retrieval**: By storing the related ID in a separate column, data retrieval is faster and more efficient.
• Simplified Database Operations**: Denormalization reduces the complexity of database operations, making it easier to manage 1:1 relationships.
• Improved Scalability**: Denormalization allows for more efficient data storage, making it easier to scale your API Platform application.

// User entity
class User {
    /**
     * @ORM\Column(type="integer")
     */
    private $addressId;

    public function setAddressId($addressId) {
        $this->addressId = $addressId;
    }

    public function getAddressId() {
        return $this->addressId;
    }
}

// Address entity
class Address {
    // ...
}

// Doctrine mapping
doctrine:
    dbal:
        types:
            address_id: string

// API Platform configuration
api_platform:
    mapping:
        paths: ['%kernel.project_dir%/src/Entity']