Ruby for All

Common Pitfalls for Junior Ruby on Rails Developers

Jan 26, 2023

Learn about testing strategies in Ruby on Rails, like using Factory Bot and Shoulda gem. Discover the importance of sandboxing data in production and avoiding mishaps. Explore efficient data management in controllers and the benefits of using decorators and presenters for better code organization.

30:22

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Quick takeaways

Emphasize testing behavior over implementation to streamline the testing process and ensure code integrity.

Utilize the sandbox command in Rails console to prevent accidental modifications to production data and maintain data integrity.

Deep dives

Testing Strategies for Junior Ruby on Rails Developers

Junior Ruby on Rails developers often struggle with determining what to test in their code. The podcast highlighted common pitfalls such as testing Rails or gem functionalities unnecessarily. Instead, emphasis was placed on testing behavior over implementation, focusing on relationships, scopes, validations, and model functionalities. By avoiding excessive testing of Rails-specific features, developers can streamline their testing process and ensure code integrity.

Introduction

2min

Effective Testing Strategies for Ruby on Rails Development

8min

Variable and Method Naming Conventions and Sponsorship Ad on Preventing Downtime for Startups

2min

Avoiding Production Mishaps in Ruby on Rails

8min

Optimizing Data Management in Ruby on Rails Controllers

3min

Exploring Decorators and Presenters in Ruby on Rails Development

9min

[00:01:29] Julie and Andrew tell us what the hardest part of learning Rails was for them.

[00:02:03] Andrew explains what to test and not to test, provides examples, and mentions the Shoulda gem.

[00:04:48] Julie wonders if there’s a way create data in your tests without adding to the database and Andrew explains using Factory Bot’s build_stubbed.

[00:07:54] Fabricate gem is brought up since Julie uses that and she wonders how to name the variables for the stubs and mocks.

[00:11:11] Have you ever modified data in production, and do you know about Sandbox command? Julie has used it and Andrew tells us why you should use it.

[00:13:32] Julie wonders if there’s anything she needs to be concerned or careful with using that Sandbox flag.

[00:14:40] Andrew “the cowboy coder” shares what he did with modified data in production.

[00:16:21] Impersonation is explained as Andrew shares his tip to have a different colored nav bar, Julie explains how she added colors on each Chrome bar for her kid’s accounts, and there’s a new color thing in Safari where it modifies the appearance.

[00:18:17] The topic of using a ton of instance variables and not using enough objects is discussed, and if you’re using current users instance variables, check out CurrentAttributes.

[00:21:39] What is a Decorator and how do you wrap a post in it? Andrew talks about a Decorator gem called Draper, explains what a service object does, and where he puts it in his directory.

[00:27:19] We hear some other examples of a Service Object, and one is using it to create a Zoom session.

[00:28:21] Julie wonders what happens if you’re working with someone who is strongly passionate against what you are strongly passionate about, and code keeps getting moved around or shifted because of that.

Panelists:

Andrew Mason

Julie J.

Sponsors:

Links:

Julie J. Website
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