I'm using Zend_Auth to identify a user in my application. This creates a session with the userobject.
My question is how do I make this object available to every Controller and action, so I don't have to pull it out of the session every time I need data from this object?
I'm guessing this should be done in bootstrap.php or index.php but I don't really know how to makte it available to every controller.. so any code examples would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Bootstrap and index.php are probably too early. Since routing is not yet done, there is no controller into which to inject your $user object.
Several possibilities come to mind:
Use a BaseController
Create a BaseController form which all your other controllers extend. In the init() method of your base controller, you can place your assignment
$this->_user = Zend_Auth::hasIdentity() ? Zend_Auth::getIdentity() : null;
Then $this->_user will be available everywhere your controller actions.
But many people deride the idea of a BaseController. Better to use an Action Helper, described below.
Use an Action Helper
Create an action helper whose direct() method returns the $user object created in the same way as above. Then in your controllers, you can access it as $this->_helper->user.
Precisely what you name the helper class and where you place it are are dependent upon paths and namespaces you set in the Zend_Controller_Action_HelperBroker using the addPath() method.
Use a Controller Plugin
Listed for completeness. But really, the best thing IMO is an Action Helper above.
