How to handle absolute URL that user inputs into a table?

Rails
1

Hi,

I have a User table that has a Website column.

In the form I would have the user type in the URL to their website.

If they type the full-blown address “http://www.example.com” then
“link_to @user.website, @user.website” will work out of the box.

However, if they type in “www.example.com” then the above code would
display something like: localhost:3000/controller/action… something
like that.

How do I make it that no matter what the user type it, link_to would
take them to an external site?

Sorry if this sounds like a too basic question.

Thanks.

2

Depends on the protocol for the websites. It is difficult to parse
all possible protocols. Assuming you are only talking about http, you
can do something like

regex = /^(https?://)/
@user.website = “http://” + @user.website unless regex.match(website)

3

2009/8/26 AnhHung [email protected]:

However, if they type in “www.example.com” then the above code would
display something like: localhost:3000/controller/action… something
like that.

How do I make it that no matter what the user type it, link_to would
take them to an external site?

Sorry if this sounds like a too basic question.

You could check what the user enters and add the http:// if they have
not provided it, either on the way into the database or out of it.

Colin

4

How do I make it that no matter what the user type it, link_to would
take them to an external site?

Sorry if this sounds like a too basic question.

Thanks.

try this
this may work

link_to @user.website,“http://#{@user.website}”, :popup =>“true”

5

How do I make it that no matter what the user type it, link_to would
take them to an external site?

Sorry if this sounds like a too basic question.

Thanks.

do this no matter what URL user enters it will take him to correct page

    regex = /https?:\/\/(.*)/.match(@user.website)
    if regex==nil
       link_to @user.website,"http://#{@user.website}", :popup

=>“true”
else
link_to @user.website,"#{@user.website}", :popup =>“true”