How to write a ruby code that add a new user's data to a user_custom_fields

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In a Support discussion titled How to write a ruby code that add a new user’s data to a user_custom_fields, Alavi1412 seeks help adding user data to a pre-created custom field in Discourse using Ruby on Rails. Initially unfamiliar with Rails, they consider using direct SQL queries (like in PHP) but realize this risks breaking sequences in PostgreSQL. pfaffman asks if built-in custom fields are being used — Alavi1412 confirms they are, but struggles with writing the data. Eventually, Alavi1412 discovers the Rails way: treating database rows as objects. To edit an existing field, they use UserCustomField.where(...).first, update .value, and .save. To create a new entry, they use UserCustomField.create(...) — Rails automatically handles id, timestamps, and sequence increments. The key takeaway: forget SQL — in Rails, everything is object-oriented. This solution avoids manual sequence manipulation and ensures data integrity.

1

I am not familiar with rails so much and I want to code a plugin that asks user his job and fill the job’s user_custom_fields(already created manually) in the database.

Because I’m familiar with PHP, I add new rows to database directly by SQL Queries (Like what we do in PHP) But this won’t increase the sequence table and this may cause some damages to site.

I have tried to increase the sequence table but postgres didn’t allow me to change data in _seq tables.

I have two solution:

1-get the permission to edit rows in _seq tables and change them with SQL Query.

2-edit or add the database using rails methods.(that increase the _seq tables automatically)

Surely, the second solution is the best but this solution is good for who are familiar with rails and MVC and for me and as a temporary solution(to avoid big harms) the first solution is good until I learn how to code with Rails.

So how Can I solve this problem? What is your Idea?

2

Is there a reason not to use the built-in custom user fields?

3

I am exactly using them. I have created a custom user field in admin panel.

The problem is adding a string to that custom user field.

4

I find the answer.

Adding a new row or editing older rows in Ruby On Rails isn’t like PHP because Rails is so much objective even when you want to work with database.

I will explain my answer for other who have my problem:

FORGET about sql query, in Here everything are objects, every row in database is an object. for adding a new row, you should create a new object and if you want to edit a row, you should find that row as an object.

So if everything is object here, What is the class name for creating new one?
If you want to edit the user_custom_fields table, the class name is UserCustomField.
to edit an exiting data, you should find it first like this:

MyObject = UserCustomField.where(name: "user_field_5", user_id: 364).first
MyObject.value = "new Value"
MyObject.save

this code will change the custom_user_field with name user_field_5 and user_id 364 .
now for adding new one you should do this:

NewObject = UserCustomField.create(user_id: 634, name: 'user_field_6', value: 'my value')
this code will create a new row in database and you shouldn’t define id, created_at , updated_at because rails will define them automatically and also increase the sequence. :wink: