Laravel 5 - List database entries using where clause - mysql

Question

I am trying to list all entries which fall under a where condition. If I do the following, I get all the entries returned
$users = User::lists('userName', 'id');
However, I am looking to return only the users who have a department id of 3. So I am doing
$users = User::lists('userName', 'id')->where('departmentId', 3);
However, this returns an empty result set. In my database, I do have users with this department id.
How can I get the lists statement working?
Just a note, the following returns the result I need
$users = User::select('userName', 'id')->where('departmentId', 3)->get();
However, in my edit form, because I have this
!! Form::select('csManager', $users, Input::old('users'), ['class' => 'csManager']) !!}
The old input is not selected and the data is showing up as an array. I know the way to fix this is to do my select like this
<select class="csManager" name="csManager">
#foreach($users as $user)
<option value="{{ $user->id }}">{{ $user->userName }}</option>
#endforeach
</select>
But then I am not sure how to display the old user within the above select.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

To mark a old selection try this:
<option value="{{ $user->id }}"
{{ (Input::old('users') == $user->id)? 'selected' : '' }}>
{{ $user->userName }}
</option>
As #TimVanUum say, you can save a little bit of code if you prefer. Both are equals.
<option value="{{ $user->id }}"
{{ (Input::old('users') !== $user->id)?: 'selected'}}>
{{ $user->userName }}
</option>

Answer 2

In your controller:
$users = User::where('departmentId', 3)->lists('userName', 'id');
In blade form:
{!! Form::select('csManager', $users, null, ['class' => 'csManager']) !!}
To get the old data in edit form instead of
{!! Form::open([your attributes]) !!}
Use model binding. something like this:
{!! Form::model($user,[your attributes]) !!}
In this case your edit method should have $user=findOrFail($id);