Here is some coding I used to set up two simple forms to edit attributes for a simple Project/Task feature of my new application. For the life of me, I was having a hell of a time figuring out how to default the UI elements to show the current value for the model object.

I finally got it by setting adding the “task.complete” and the “task.assigned_user_id” values of the check_box_tag and select_tag.

Still to do, make the calls to the controllers restful and add in AJAX so it doesn’t refresh the entire page.

<% form_tag (:controller => 'tasks', :action => 'task_completed', :id => task) do %>
Complete? <%= check_box_tag :completed, '1', task.complete, :onchange => 'submit()' %>
<% end %>

<% form_tag  (:controller => 'tasks', :action => 'change_assigned_to', :id => task) do %>
Assigned to: <%= select_tag (:user_id, options_for_select( @users_select, task.assigned_user_id), :onchange => 'submit()') %>
<% end %>

So now I’m onto my next side project after completing my Android application and submitting to the Android Challenge (I didn’t get selected for the top 50…oh well, next time maybe).  I’ve been working on a number of Rails apps and have deployed a couple in beta states.  While going through this process, a number of similarities have emerged and now I’m onto my next big idea which is a combination of my endeavors.  I also want to work in what I learned while working on Android, and have a mobile application along with the web app.

When I get a little closer, I’ll post a link and let everyone play.  If I get enough interest I’ll put together a pricing/billing model and maybe get lucky enough to be able to step out on my own, away from the 9-5 job I currently hold.