How to remove whitespace from Model attributes?

Question

What's the simplest way to make sure models trim leading and trailing white space from string values.

One inconvenient way seems to be a before_save filter -- although for something as common as removing white space from strings, maybe there's some config that does that?

I don't know any config regrading that, but in case of before_validation hook you can check this: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4294923/rails-3-strip-whitespace-before-validation-on-all-forms — sparrovv, Nov 10 '11 at 14:09
See an [implementation here as well](http://railsforum.com/viewtopic.php?id=969). — Zabba, Nov 10 '11 at 14:13

Michael Durrant · Answer 1 · 2012-03-20T05:06:02.570

There isn't a built-in global/config setting for the reason that you would not want to always do this, so it's better done on a case by case basis as you describe and with strip(field) in a before filter. There is a gem available though as detailed by Jacob.

I also advise caution when doing any manipulation to user values. A common best practice is to save "whatever" the user types, "warts and all" (well ok, spaces in this case). Then manipulate internally and format for display as required.
The main line of reasoning here being that when a user re-edits their info, it's better to give them 'exactly what they typed before' rather than getting caught up in what can end up being complicated validations and very brittle user interfaces.

Another sidenote, make sure to use 'data appropriate' fields, e.g. don't store dates in strings, it's asking for trouble.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 30 '11 at 00:27

3

Use the strip_attributes gem:

https://github.com/rmm5t/strip_attributes

answered Dec 30 '11 at 00:27

Jacob

6,317
10
40
58

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Nov 10 '11 at 14:09

2

I'd just have a filter that runs before validation and tears through all of the params to trim them. If you put it on your base controller class, you just set it and forget it.

answered Nov 10 '11 at 14:09

jdc

733
3
7

score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Nov 10 '11 at 14:25

Indeed, this annoyed me a little too - so I wrote this

https://github.com/omarqureshi/AR-stripper

will publish this as a gem sooner or later but in the meantime just

gem 'stripper', :git => "git@github.com:omarqureshi/AR-stripper.git"

in your Gemfile will do

score 0 · Answer 5 · answered Feb 03 '14 at 03:31

0

You could also use a callback to strip the whitespace without using a gem.

answered Feb 03 '14 at 03:31

Patricia.

61
6

How to remove whitespace from Model attributes?

5 Answers5