# Using helper methods to perform Ajax filteri ng…?

**URL:** <https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/using-helper-methods-to-perform-ajax-filteri-nga/180964>\
**Category:** Rails\
**Created:** [January 2, 2010, 8:57am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/using-helper-methods-to-perform-ajax-filteri-nga/180964 "2010-01-02T08:57:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dezrtdude](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@dezrtdude](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/dezrtdude)\
**Post date:** [January 2, 2010, 8:57am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/using-helper-methods-to-perform-ajax-filteri-nga/180964/1 "2010-01-02T08:57:44Z")

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Hi All,

I’m looking to filter a list of items using a created helper method  
instead of a controller method. I see that it’s possible to  
dynamically manipulate a view using prototype helpers from within a  
helper. However, I’m not sure how to use a text field in combination  
with “observe\_field” in order to properly pass the parameter to the  
function.

FYI, I’m trying to do all of this in the edit view. I have a drag and  
drop list of items that I can associate with the given object but I  
want the user to be able to dynamically trim the list of “available  
items” in order to make it less unwieldy.

Can someone provide some insight as to how I should go about this?

Best.

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