What is the recommended method for writing JavaScript scripts with AJAX in a Rails application? How can URLs be incorporated into the script effectively?

Question

What is the recommended method for writing JavaScript scripts with AJAX in a Rails application? How can URLs be incorporated into the script effectively?

When incorporating AJAX into my Rails application, I encounter difficulties when specifying the URL for the request within a script. While it is recommended to use helpers like my_resource_path instead of manually writing paths, these helpers do not function properly within assets/javascripts. As a result, I have had to resort to using inefficient workarounds such as embedding code in my views:

<%= javascript_tag "onSubmitQuotePage('#{j escape_javascript(autocomplete_authors_url(''))}');"%>

Surely there must be a more elegant solution or best practice for handling AJAX requests in Rails applications.

javascript ruby-on-rails ajax ruby-on-rails-3

Answer 1

Answer №1

It would bring me great joy to discover improved methods for accomplishing this task.

One approach is to store the path in a data attribute within a relevant DOM element, or alternatively, for static routes, embed a <script> block in the layout file containing the necessary paths.

<script>
(function() {
"use strict";
window.myapp || {};
window.myapp.new_order_path = '<%= new_order_path %>';
window.myapp.orders_path = '<%= orders_path %>';
...
}());
</script>

Although not the most elegant solution, I find that the instances where I require a route in my JavaScript code are infrequent. This method allows me to access myapp.new_order_path in my JavaScript as needed.

Answer 2

It would bring me great joy to discover improved methods for accomplishing this task.

One approach is to store the path in a data attribute within a relevant DOM element, or alternatively, for static routes, embed a <script> block in the layout file containing the necessary paths.

<script>
(function() {
"use strict";
window.myapp || {};
window.myapp.new_order_path = '<%= new_order_path %>';
window.myapp.orders_path = '<%= orders_path %>';
...
}());
</script>

Although not the most elegant solution, I find that the instances where I require a route in my JavaScript code are infrequent. This method allows me to access myapp.new_order_path in my JavaScript as needed.

Answer 3

Answer №2

Adding my perspective here: leverage Rails URI helpers to create URI templates. For example, if you have a route defined as:


edit_user   GET   /users/:id/edit(.:format)   users#edit

By using edit_user_path(':user_id:'), you'll get /users/:user_id:/edit. This method allows you to generate URI templates that can be compiled in javascript. As @Tigraine mentioned, you can store this template in a data attribute of a parent element and access it from the client side.

This technique proves useful when generating URIs for AJAX-loaded content. Simply provide the resource ID and have javascript construct the URI by replacing placeholders like :user_id: with the actual user ID using

string.replace(':user_id:', user_id)

.

Answer 4

Adding my perspective here: leverage Rails URI helpers to create URI templates. For example, if you have a route defined as:


edit_user   GET   /users/:id/edit(.:format)   users#edit

By using edit_user_path(':user_id:'), you'll get /users/:user_id:/edit. This method allows you to generate URI templates that can be compiled in javascript. As @Tigraine mentioned, you can store this template in a data attribute of a parent element and access it from the client side.

This technique proves useful when generating URIs for AJAX-loaded content. Simply provide the resource ID and have javascript construct the URI by replacing placeholders like :user_id: with the actual user ID using

string.replace(':user_id:', user_id)

.

What is the recommended method for writing JavaScript scripts with AJAX in a Rails application? How can URLs be incorporated into the script effectively?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Similar questions

JavaScript issue with confirm/redirect feature not functioning as expected

Issue with Rails Controller not Refreshing Page Following Ajax Request

Just can't seem to get my Rails 5.1 application with Vue and webpacker 3 to compile the CSS

Email notification will be sent upon form submission to Firestore

The compatibility between cross-fetch and React Native is currently not supported

PHP not displaying line breaks from JavaScript textarea

Error in Angular 2: The app.component.html file triggered an exception at line 1, character 108 due to excessive recursion

Python, JavaScript, and Selenium RC all work together within loop statements on .aspx pages

Tips for storing dynamic data in an array using JavaScript

Effective Ways to Redirect During or After Executing the onClick Function of Button

Retrieving a numerical value from a string using Javascript or JQuery

Building a stylish bootstrap button within the cell rows of a table using jquery

Error Encountered: Angular - Despite successful $http.delete request, the operation does not actually take

How can I pass GET data and make it accessible in another PHP page through ajax?

Position the vertical bar directly adjacent to the form input field

Tips for refreshing a table component after receiving a notification from a WebSocket in React JS

Issue with retrieving element ID (Uncaught TypeError: Unable to assign value to property 'innerHTML' of null)

Angular request accessing CoinMarketCap API

Anchor tags created using JQuery will remain on the same page without redirecting

The Ajax request is not being triggered when using a different form submit method