I have a column that will be storing parameter/attribute-like data. Columns for each is out of the question because the pairs vary depending on the component installation parameters.

An earlier answer suggested to use $jinput->get with postSaveHook to capture the input and format and save it appropriately, but where would the appropriate place be to parse the data from the database for presentation on the form for edting? I'm assuming that $jinput->set would be the approach, but I'm not clear where the "right" place would be.

Thanks in advance!

Item Model > prepareTable()