Rails Generate Command

Execute Rails generators with production-best-practice defaults and guidance.

Usage

/rails:generate <generator> <name> [attributes...]

Examples

/rails:generate model User email:string name:string
/rails:generate controller Orders index show create
/rails:generate migration AddStatusToOrders status:string:index
/rails:generate scaffold Product name:string price:decimal

Generator Types

Model Generator

bin/rails generate model <Name> [field:type...]

Apply these defaults:

• Add null: false for required fields in migration
• Add indexes for foreign keys automatically
• Suggest appropriate validations

Controller Generator

bin/rails generate controller <Name> [actions...]

Apply these patterns:

• Use resourceful routes when appropriate
• Include strong parameters boilerplate
• Set up proper before_actions

Migration Generator

bin/rails generate migration <MigrationName> [field:type...]

Production patterns:

• Use algorithm: :concurrently for index additions
• Add disable_ddl_transaction! when needed
• Include rollback safety

Scaffold Generator

bin/rails generate scaffold <Name> [field:type...]

Enhance with:

• Turbo Stream responses
• Proper flash messages
• API-ready JSON responses

Process

1. Parse the generator command and arguments
2. Run the Rails generator
3. Review generated files
4. Apply production enhancements:
   • Add missing indexes for foreign keys
   • Add null: false constraints for required fields
   • Enhance controller with proper error handling
   • Add Turbo Stream support if appropriate
5. Show what was generated and any enhancements made

Important

• Always check if database migration is needed
• Verify model validations match database constraints
• Ensure routes are properly configured
• For models with associations, suggest the inverse association

Output

After generation:

1. List all files created/modified
2. Show any enhancements applied
3. Suggest next steps (run migration, add associations, write tests)