Ruby on Rails has long been known for its ‘convention over configuration’ philosophy, making web development easier for many programmers. However, if you have started with a lean Rails API-only application and now need a front-end, you are not alone. This need has become more common with the popularity of JavaScript frameworks and single-page applications (SPAs). Join us as we explore how to seamlessly add a vanilla Rails front-end to your API-only application, combining the strengths of both worlds to create a robust web application experience.
Rails API-only applications are known for their efficiency and flexible development approach. An API-only Rails application serves as a back-end, managing data and logic while communicating with front-end clients through HTTP requests. The decision to choose the API-only mode for a Rails application is typically made during project generation. This choice is common when planning to integrate with a front-end framework like React, when the application will serve as a back-end for mobile apps, or when it is one of multiple microservices. By removing the view layer and asset pipeline, Rails becomes lighter and less cluttered. Unlike a full-stack Rails application, API-only mode excludes middleware for managing cookies and sessions, as well as the ActionView module. Additionally, the asset pipeline is not included, as it primarily handles front-end assets like stylesheets, JavaScript files, and images. This streamlined version of Rails is optimized for creating APIs, leaving user interface management to other tools or frameworks.
However, requirements can change, and there may come a time when adding a front-end directly to your Rails application is necessary. Whether you want to build an admin panel or provide a web-based interface for some application functionality, transitioning from an API-only application to a full-stack Rails app is possible. Preparing a Rails API for a front-end involves reintegrating essential components for handling views and assets. This guide will walk you through the process of adding back the necessary middleware and making the required configurations to bring a front-end to your Rails API application.
If you are starting from scratch, you can install Rails 7.1.1 and generate a new API-only Rails application. In a full-stack Rails application, various middleware components are used to manage sessions, cookies, and assets. In an API-only setup, these components are not included. To prepare your application for a front-end, you will need to reintroduce the middleware. Additionally, you will need to require modules for handling views and assets. Adding sprockets to your Gemfile and creating a manifest file for asset precompilation are also necessary steps. With these changes, your Rails application is now ready to accommodate a front-end, serving assets and views like a full-stack Rails application.
In the following sections, we will delve into creating your first view and integrating front-end assets to bring your user interface to life. By setting up a controller, establishing routes, and adding views, you can begin constructing the visual component where users will interact with your application. By following these steps, you can seamlessly transition from an API-only Rails application to a full-stack version, enhancing the user experience of your web application.
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