Rails 8: Introducing the Built-in Authentication Generator

Rails 8 Authentication Guide for Ruby Developers

Ruby on Rails developers face a common task: building user login systems. Rails 8 brings a built-in solution. This guide helps Rails developers create authentication without extra gems.

What Ruby Developers Will Build

As a Rails developer, you'll create:

• A secure authentication system
• Public and private pages
• A test suite for user flows
• Database migrations for users

Set Up Your Rails Environment

Ruby on Rails developers start here:

rails new auth-example
cd auth-example

This creates a fresh Rails application.

Rails 8 Authentication Generator

Rails developers love simple solutions. Run:

bin/rails generate authentication

The generator creates Rails files:

• ERB view templates
• Rails controllers
• Ruby models
• RSpec test files

Database Setup for Rails

Rails developers need a working database:

bin/rails db:create db:migrate

Create a test user in Rails console:

rails c

Add user data:

User.create(email_address: "[e-mail]", password: "test-password-123")

Rails Controllers

Rails developers work with two types of access:

• Public pages for visitors
• Private pages for users

Generate Rails controllers:

rails g controller home index
rails g controller dashboard show

Ruby on Rails Routes

Rails routing connects URLs to Ruby code. Update config/routes.rb:

Rails.application.routes.draw do
  get "home/index", as: :home
  get "dashboard/show", as: :dashboard
  root "home#index"
end

Public Controller in Rails

Ruby developers handle public access:

class HomeController < ApplicationController
  allow_unauthenticated_access(only: :index)
  def index
  end
end

Authenticated Controller

Rails developers protect private pages:

class DashboardController < ApplicationController
  before_action :resume_session, only: [:show]
  def show
  end
end

Test Your Rails App

Start your Rails server:

rails s

Test these Rails routes:

1. /home - Public access
2. /dashboard - Login required

Rails Security Tips

Ruby developers follow these practices:

• Use secure passwords
• Keep Rails updated
• Monitor logs
• Back up data

Rails Authentication Code

View the Ruby code: Rails Authentication Source

Tasks for Rails Developers

Try these Ruby tasks:

1. Build a signup flow
2. Create a password reset
3. Add session persistence
4. Style your ERB templates

Next Steps for Rails Developers

You can extend this:

• Add OAuth support
• Create admin roles
• Add API authentication
• Build user profiles

Remember: Now, the Rails developer starts with basic authentication. Build more. Learn more.

Need Ruby on Rails help? Drop questions below.