Validation in a model that is not to be saved

rubyonrails-talk
1

Hi group,

I built an input form that's spread over multiple pages. I store the already given data (that match my models and my tables) in a cart-like object. That works so far. But since I dont save the data, when the user inputs it, validations don't work. They may work on my last (submit) page, but that too late.

Any way to make validations work even if they don't pass the model?

Thx in advance Jason

2

Hello Jason,

3

I think you need to get the attributes of the object assigned like

@object = Model.new(session[:cart]) @object.additional_attribute = value @object.additional_attribute = value

if @object.valid?

… end

I think something like that will work.

Adam

4

Hi François,

thx for your hint. So far, I was able to add basic validation to my model like that

  def validate     errors.add_on_empty %w{ title description }   end

And in my controller where I temporarily store that object in my virtual cart I can probe on validity like that :

  def create     @product = Product.new(params[:product])     if @product.valid?       if @cart = find_cart         @cart.add_product(@product)         redirect_to(:action => 'display_cart')       else         render :action => 'new'       end     else       redirect_to(:action => 'new')     end   end

But that great validation features for forms are still closed for me at that point. Anything I dont see? This way, I'd to to all that by hand .... and I'm a lazy typist :slight_smile:

Cheers Jason

5

this will be your cup of tea:

http://www.realityforge.org/articles/2005/12/02/validations-for-non-activerecord-model-objects