Add http(s) to URL if it's not there?

Question

I\'m using this regex in my model to validate an URL submitted by the user. I don\'t want to force the user to type the http part, but would like to add it myself if it\'s n

Answer 1

Use a before filter to add it if it is not there:

before_validation :smart_add_url_protocol

protected

def smart_add_url_protocol
  unless self.url[/\Ahttp:\/\//] || self.url[/\Ahttps:\/\//]
    self.url = "http://#{self.url}"
  end
end

Leave the validation you have in, that way if they make a typo they can correct the protocol.