Using ConfigFormBase::save() for config storagefor Drupal 8 , 9 , 10 , and 11

Managing configuration settings is fundamental to developing flexible and maintainable Drupal modules. By using ConfigFormBase::save(), you can ensure that the settings modified through your module's configuration forms are stored reliably and efficiently within Drupal's configuration management system.

Understanding ConfigFormBase::save()

The ConfigFormBase::save() method is a critical function in Drupal's configuration API. It provides a straightforward way to persist configuration changes made through forms that extend ConfigFormBase. This method handles the necessary interactions with the configuration storage, ensuring that data is correctly stored across both the active configuration and exportable settings within Drupal.

Why Use ConfigFormBase::save()?

• Simplicity and Ease: Facilitates straightforward saving of form settings without needing extensive custom code.
• Consistency: Ensures that configuration data remains consistent, utilizing Drupal's proven configuration storage mechanisms.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Drupal's configuration management workflow, supporting features like staging and deployment of configuration changes.

Implementing ConfigFormBase::save() in Your Module

Let's follow an example where we implement ConfigFormBase::save() to store a site's API key in our custom module settings. This builds on the configuration form example provided in the previous lesson.

Step-by-Step Example

namespace Drupal\mymodule\Form;

use Drupal\Core\Form\ConfigFormBase;
use Drupal\Core\Form\FormStateInterface;

class SiteSettingsForm extends ConfigFormBase {

    /**
     * {@inheritdoc}
     */
    protected function getEditableConfigNames() {
        return ['mymodule.settings'];
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritdoc}
     */
    public function getFormId() {
        return 'site_settings_form';
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritdoc}
     */
    public function buildForm(array $form, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
        $config = $this->config('mymodule.settings');

        $form['api_key'] = [
            '#type' => 'textfield',
            '#title' => $this->t('Site API Key'),
            '#default_value' => $config->get('api_key'),
            '#description' => $this->t('Enter the API key for your site.'),
        ];

        return parent::buildForm($form, $form_state);
    }

    /**
     * {@inheritdoc}
     */
    public function submitForm(array &$form, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
        $this->config('mymodule.settings')
            ->set('api_key', $form_state->getValue('api_key'))
            ->save();

        parent::submitForm($form, $form_state);
    }

}

Code Explanation

• This example creates a configuration form for a module using ConfigFormBase.
• The submitForm method handles the saving of form values, where ConfigFormBase::save() is called to store the 'api_key' in 'mymodule.settings'.
• The save() method ensures that the configuration data is saved to both the active store and is ready for export, maintaining consistency across environments.
• This approach is efficient and integrates seamlessly with Drupal’s configuration management, especially useful when deploying configurations between different environments.

Best Practices for Configuration Storage

• Structure: Ensure a well-defined and consistent configuration structure, making schemas clear and predictable.
• Export and Import Handling: Regularly use Drupal’s configuration import/export features for managing changes across environments.
• Backup and Restore: Periodically back up configurations to prevent loss upon unexpected site issues.

Conclusion

Utilizing ConfigFormBase::save() to manage configuration storage in Drupal is a best practice that ensures your module's settings are securely and reliably saved. By integrating with Drupal's configuration management system, you maintain a high level of control and consistency across your site’s environments.

What's Next?

Next, we will explore loading configuration values in the buildForm method, showing how to retrieve and apply configuration settings dynamically when building forms. Stay tuned for this essential next step in mastering Drupal's Form API!