Scaffolding, what is it? Is it a Rails-only thing?
+7
A:
From Wikipedia:
Scaffolding is a meta-programming method of building database-backed software applications. It is a technique supported by some model-view-controller frameworks, in which the programmer may write a specification that describes how the application database may be used. The compiler uses this specification to generate code that the application can use to create, read, update and delete database entries, effectively treating the template as a "scaffold" on which to build a more powerful application.
SoloBold
2008-10-24 19:47:54
This is very interesting. I'd never heard of scaffolding used in that sense of the word. I'd heard it used more like swilliams mentioned (below). Learn something new every day. :-)
Onorio Catenacci
2008-10-24 19:50:15
A:
Scafolding is usually some type of code generation where you point it at a database, and the technology creates basic CRUD (create, read, update, delete) screens.
Ely
2008-10-24 19:48:10
+3
A:
Scaffolding generally refers to a quickly set up skeleton for an app. It's not rails-only since other platforms have it as well. It's also not generally meant to be a "final" system; merely the first, smallest way to do it.
swilliams
2008-10-24 19:48:22
+1
A:
It is not a rails only term although I think it originated there (at least that is where I first heard it.)
Scaffolding is a framework that allows you to do basic CRUD operations against your database with little or no code. Generally, you then go through and add the code to manage the data the way you want replacing the scaffolding. It is generally only intended to get you up and running quickly.
Rob Prouse
2008-10-24 19:49:52