Rails: Share enum declaration values between models

Question

I'm applying enum on the following attribute: transparency

The same attribute (with enum) is used in two different models: Category and Post

Is it possible to share the enum values between models, to avoid code duplication:

enum transparency: %w(anonymous private public)

Shelter

Answer 1

You can use a concern.

module HasTransparency
  extend ActiveSupport::Concern
  included do
    enum transparency: %w(anonymous private public)
  end
end

Then include it in your models:

class Category < ActiveRecord::Base
  include HasTransparency

  ....
end

Affettuoso

Almost correct, with a small mistake! Your example will return an array of strings, not array of symbols. %w must be changed to %i. – Akerley

This solution requires both enums to be attached to fields of the same name. – Lapful

Answer 2

An alternative to "the right way" of using a concern or module, you can just make reference to another class enum. It worked perfectly for me:

enum same_values_than_other: SomeOtherClass.my_awesome_enum

Milreis

You should use the plural form of the field name in SomeOtherClass – Lapful

This seems like the way to go if you need the fields to have different names. – Oldfangled

My enum is called kind, and SomeOtherClass.kinds worked perfectly. – Leverhulme