rails: stow away long method in model

Question

Hello,

I have this method (50+ lines) in one of my models, I prefer not having to scroll so much and not losing my cursor sometimes because of its taking up so much space. I wonder if I can put it away in a separate file and sort of include it in the model instead.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can put it into a module and include it (mix it in) to your model class. For example:

app/models/my_long_method.rb
  module MyLongMethod
    def my_long_method
      ....
    end
  end

app/models/my_class.rb
  class MyClass < ActiveRecord::Base
    include MyLongMethod
  end

If your method really is that long though you might want to consider breaking it down into smaller sections as methods in that module too.

module MyLongMethod
  def my_long_method
    first_part
    second_part
  end

  private

  def first_part
    ...
  end

  def second_part
    ...
  end
end