Using variable column values in a Eloquent model

If you ever want

/**
 * The attributes that should be casted.
 *
 * @var array
 */
public $casts = [
    'payload' => 'json',
];

 /**
 * Convert the model instance to an array.
 *
 * @return array
 */
public function toArray()
{
    // this allow the payload to act as column values
    return $this->payload + parent::toArray();
}

Warning: don't switch this

Good luck and hope to see you around! ✌🏻