I have looked around the net and can't find the answer to this
question. I have a date column that is allowed to be null. How do I
allow the user to enter a null date in the form?
AFAIK, there isn't a preset, easy way to do it. Here's my 2 ways:
1. If you're using the date_select helper, I would add a check_box.
Note that the check_box field's object_name is not "your_record_object"
If it was, the update_attributes method would fail because there is no
field called "your_date_field_is_null" in the record.
Like so: (Note: missing labels, etc)
<%=date_select 'your_record_object', 'your_date_field' %>
<%=check_box 'options', 'your_date_field_is_null' %>
Then in your controller, test for the checkbox and set the date field to
nil if applicable.
Like so: (this could be prettier)
@record = YourRecordObject.find(params[:id])
if request.post?
if @record.update_attributes(params[:your_record_object])
if params[
ptions].has_key?('your_date_field_is_null') &&
params[
ptions]['your_date_field_is_null'].eql? '1'
@record.update_attribute
your_date_field, nil)
end
end
end
2. If you're using the text_field helper, I would test the text_field
input for empty? (in the controller) and set it to nil if applicable
Like so: (this could be prettier)
@record = YourRecordObject.find(params[:id])
if request.post?
if params[:your_record_object][:your_date_field].empty?
params[:your_record_object][:your_date_field] = nil
else
params[:your_record_object][:your_date_field] =
params[:your_record_object][:your_date_field].to_date
end
if @record.update_attributes(params[:your_record_object])
flash[:notice] = "Your Record Object was updated successfully."
end
end
--
Travis Warlick
"Programming in Java is like dealing with your mom --
it's kind, forgiving, and gently chastising.
Programming in C++ is like dealing with a disgruntled
girlfriend -- it's cold, unforgiving, and doesn't tell
you what you've done wrong."
