This patch replaces the parameters provided to a service through
`params` by the contract object.
That way, it allows better consistency when accessing input params. For
example, if you have a service without a contract, to access a
parameter, you need to use `params[:my_parameter]`. But with a contract,
you do this through `contract.my_parameter`. Now, with this patch,
you’ll be able to access it through `params.my_parameter` or
`params[:my_parameter]`.
Some methods have been added to the contract object to better mimic a
Hash. That way, when accessing/using `params`, you don’t have to think
too much about it:
- `params.my_key` is also accessible through `params[:my_key]`.
- `params.my_key = value` can also be done through `params[:my_key] =
value`.
- `#slice` and `#merge` are available.
- `#to_hash` has been implemented, so the contract object will be
automatically cast as a hash by Ruby depending on the context. For
example, with an AR model, you can do this: `user.update(**params)`.
Currently in services, we don’t make a distinction between input
parameters, options and dependencies.
This can lead to user input modifying the service behavior, whereas it
was not the developer intention.
This patch addresses the issue by changing how data is provided to
services:
- `params` is now used to hold all data coming from outside (typically
user input from a controller) and a contract will take its values from
`params`.
- `options` is a new key to provide options to a service. This typically
allows changing a service behavior at runtime. It is, of course,
totally optional.
- `dependencies` is actually anything else provided to the service (like
`guardian`) and available directly from the context object.
The `service_params` helper in controllers has been updated to reflect
those changes, so most of the existing services didn’t need specific
changes.
The options block has the same DSL as contracts, as it’s also based on
`ActiveModel`. There aren’t any validations, though. Here’s an example:
```ruby
options do
attribute :allow_changing_hidden, :boolean, default: false
end
```
And here’s an example of how to call a service with the new keys:
```ruby
MyService.call(params: { key1: value1, … }, options: { my_option: true }, guardian:, …)
```
This will help to enforce a consistent pattern for creating service
actions.
This patch also namespaces actions and policies, making everything
related to a service available directly in
`app/services/<concept-name>`, making things more consistent at that
level too.
- fetch models inside services
- validate `user_id` in contracts
- use policy objects
- extract more logic to actions
- write specs for services and action
Loïc Guitaut
Jarek Radosz