I am often checking the same parameters (like param[:page] and
param[:per_page]) in models over and over again (are those in a
specific range … if not use defaults):
page = !options[:page].blank? && options[:page] =~ /^[0-9]+$/ &&
options[:page].to_i > 0 ? options[:page].to_i : 1
per_page = !options[:per_page].blank? && options[:per_page] =~ /^[0-9]+
$/ && options[:per_page].to_i > 0 && options[:per_page].to_i <= 100 ?
options[:per_page].to_i : 10
I am often checking the same parameters (like param[:page] and
param[:per_page]) in models over and over again (are those in a
specific range … if not use defaults):
page = !options[:page].blank? && options[:page] =~ /^[0-9]+$/ &&
options[:page].to_i > 0 ? options[:page].to_i : 1
per_page = !options[:per_page].blank? && options[:per_page] =~ /^[0-9]+
$/ && options[:per_page].to_i > 0 && options[:per_page].to_i <= 100 ?
options[:per_page].to_i : 10
How can I make this more DRY and easier to read?
Well, first of all, the code you provided is a classic example of
obfuscated Ruby. You can make it more readable by using if instead of
?: .
Now, as far as the repetition of the conditions themselves, just do the
same thing you’d do for any other repeated code: extract it into a
method of its own.
You can make it easier to read by using simpler constructs such as if.
It will take up a few more lines of source code but will not have any
measurable effect on execution time, and will be much easier for those
that come after you to understand.
You can DRY it by putting it in a method.
I also have to wonder why a model is worrying about page number and
per_page.
In what method should I put it that is visible in all models? In an
extra lib class?
Probably.
I also have to wonder why a model is worrying about page number and per_page.
I pass it to a model method that does some Sphinx search. What would
be a better way? The search expression is so long, so I thought it
would be good to keep it out of my controller (everybody says “keep
your controller thin”).
Then you probably want a separate model to talk to Sphinx, then call
Sphinx.search(params[:criteria]) in your controller. Or maybe you want
a utility class to do this. It really depends on the structure of your
app.
In what method should I put it that is visible in all models? In an
extra lib class?
I also have to wonder why a model is worrying about page number and per_page.
I pass it to a model method that does some Sphinx search. What would
be a better way? The search expression is so long, so I thought it
would be good to keep it out of my controller (everybody says “keep
your controller thin”).
One last general question. Where do you validate your parameters
fetched by “params” that should be passed to models? Do you check them
right away in the controller and give them cleaned up to the model, or
do you just provide them as they are (maybe just put them in single
variables) and let the model check them?
Validation in the controller will lead to repetitive code scattered all
over the application.
Ok, then one last last question … just want to make sure that I
do it the Rails way.
When you let the user pass several paramters regarding how the
instances of your model are presented (order, page, and so on), where
do you check those?
Do make such (sometimes more complicated) queries in the controller
(and check those params there) or define a special search method in
the model (and check also those parameters in the model)?
One last general question. Where do you validate your parameters
fetched by “params” that should be passed to models? Do you check them
right away in the controller and give them cleaned up to the model, or
do you just provide them as they are (maybe just put them in single
variables) and let the model check them?
It’s usually the model’s job to validate. That’s what the validates_*
methods are for.
Validation in the controller will lead to repetitive code scattered all
over the application.
Do make such (sometimes more complicated) queries in the controller
(and check those params there) or define a special search method in
the model (and check also those parameters in the model)?
What are you checking these parameters for, exactly? Everything has to
pass through the model to the database, the model is responsible for
sanitizing any SQL that is needed. Further, the model can enforce any
business logic requirements you define in your validates* filters.
If you have a search facility in your page, you probably want to run
that through either a separate search method in your controller,
again, passing back whatever the user has entered to the model for
eventual processing; or maybe you want a separate Search model and
controller to interface with Sphinx or Solr or whatever you might be
using under the hood. A separate model also allows you to search
across multiple models without having to repeat a search controller
method in each of those models’ controllers.
Walter
This forum is not affiliated to the Ruby language, Ruby on Rails framework, nor any Ruby applications discussed here.
… just want to make sure that I