How to store database objects in a custom state and modify them locally without changing the database?

notimesan · 2025-02-02T07:43:41.498Z

I’m running into an issue with custom states and database objects. I want to retrieve a list of items (data type Item) from the database and store them in a custom state. The idea is that users can modify these items locally but the changes should only be saved when they click a “Save Changes” button.

However, I’ve noticed that as soon as I modify an item in the custom state, it immediately updates the database. This seems to be happening because custom states only store a reference to the original database object instead of creating a true copy.

Is there a way to load database objects into a custom state and modify them locally without affecting the database immediately?

julianalonso · 2025-02-02T08:05:41.606Z

Hey,

What I would do if I were you would be to only change the fields of the item once the button “save” has been clicked. There is no way to change an Item locally.

Let me know if this helps

Julian

adamhholmes · 2025-02-02T10:46:47.884Z

There’s no way in Bubble to modify a ‘thing’ independently of its existence in the database.

A ‘Thing’, by definition, is a database object, and any reference to it elsewhere is just that (i.e. a reference to the database object) - so making changes to a Thing ALWAYS updates the database.

If you really need to make changes locally then you’ll have to create a local version of it (using javascript), make change to that (using javascript) and then you can pass that into t backend workflow (as JSON) and update the Thing(s) there based on that.

(there may be some plugins to make that easier)

msgiblin · 2025-02-02T20:18:47.801Z

Hi there,

I recommend you looking at both this post:

Dynamic row addition in Repeating Group and bulk CRUD of Things using vanilla Bubble Tips

0. Intro In this tip I’ll show you how to dynamically add new rows to a form (Repeating Group), fill inputs in them and bulk create multiple things with a single button click avoiding: any plug-in or JS (while using JS will be much easier - I try to avoid it until I have no choice ) creating empty things and using auto-binding As an example we will be creating new Tasks. Data type Task has 2 fields - task name and task description (both are “text” fields). Here is what we will get …

And this plugin:

[🌟 New Features: Ultra-Deep Drill] JSON Assistant Plugin: Your Solution to Complex JSON & API Data in Bubble Plugins

JSON Assistant The JSON Assistant is a utility plugin that can be used to convert data to JSON format and extract values from JSON. The plugin is available for a one-time fee of $5 , making it an affordable and valuable addition to any developer’s toolkit. It includes two powerful elements to help you work with JSON data like a pro: Things to JSON JSON Extractor You can supercharge your Bubble app with these easy-to-use, flexible tools! Here are some use case of the JSON Assistant in app…

The latter would be best but you’ll most likely incorporate concepts from the first post as well.

Everything happening in Customize mode on a recipe in my app is utilizing JSON Things and custom states (click ‘Customize Recipe’):

Know Thy Drink

KnowThyDrink - Three Dots and a Dash Cocktail Recipe & Nutrition

The Three Dots and a Dash Cocktail Recipe has 250 Calories, 26g Carbs, 24g Sugar, and contains 1.51 alcoholic drinks. Customize with free nutrition calculator here.

notimesan · 2025-02-02T22:03:48.723Z

hi thank you for this message. this looks very interesting. tomorrow i will take a look at it and i will let you know. cheers

system · 2025-04-13T07:44:16.552Z

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