form-object-patterns

Use form objects to decouple complex form logic from ActiveRecord. By creating an ApplicationForm subclass, you can coordinate multi-model data, encapsulate validations, and keep controllers clean through a transactional persist! method.

Build wizard-style forms using an ApplicationForm base pattern with optional wizard step tracking. This approach manages non-persisted data across steps, applies validation-driven workflows, and integrates seamlessly with Rails controllers and views.

Test Rails form objects using a TDD-driven workflow by defining ApplicationForm subclasses with explicit attribute declarations and validations. This decoupled structure allows easy testing of multi-model coordination and transactional persistence without tight ActiveRecord coupling.

Yes, form objects handle non-persisted data like search and filter forms effectively. By subclassing ApplicationForm, you encapsulate virtual attributes and validations, keeping search logic separate from database models and ensuring clean controller integration.

No, form objects do not require ActiveRecord models for validation. They use Active Model validations within an ApplicationForm subclass to validate virtual attributes and multi-model data, enabling form processing for non-persisted workflows like contact forms.

Avoid form objects for simple Rails form handling where a single ActiveRecord model directly maps to the form. Form objects are best suited for complex scenarios like multi-model coordination, wizard steps, and non-persisted data that would otherwise cause brittle controllers.