rails-destroy
Remove Rails generators' created files
TLDR
List all available generators to destroy
Destroy a model named Post
Destroy a controller named Posts
Destroy a migration that creates Posts
Destroy a scaffold for a model named Post
SYNOPSIS
rails destroy GENERATOR [NAME] [options]
PARAMETERS
GENERATOR
Required. Specifies the type of generator to undo (e.g., `model`, `controller`, `scaffold`).
NAME
Required. Specifies the name of the resource that was generated (e.g., `User`, `Products`).
--force
Forces the destruction, bypassing confirmation prompts.
--pretend
Lists the actions that would be performed without actually executing them.
--quiet
Suppresses status output.
--skip
Skips files that already exist.
--no-color
Disable color output.
DESCRIPTION
The `rails destroy` command in the Ruby on Rails framework is used to undo the actions of Rails generators. It effectively reverses the scaffolding process, removing files and modifications made by generators such as `rails generate model`, `rails generate controller`, or `rails generate scaffold`. This is particularly useful for correcting mistakes, refactoring code, or reverting experimental features. The command examines the generator log, a record of the files created or modified by the generation command, and then performs the opposite operation. For example, if `rails generate model User name:string email:string` created a model file, a migration, and updated the `config/routes.rb` file, `rails destroy model User` would remove the model file, roll back the migration, and revert the changes in `config/routes.rb`. It provides a safe way to clean up unwanted code or configurations, helping to maintain a clean and organized codebase during development. It promotes iterative development by allowing developers to rapidly test and refine their ideas.
CAVEATS
The `rails destroy` command relies on the generator log. If the log is incomplete or corrupted, the command may not correctly revert all changes. Manual cleanup might be necessary in such cases. Be cautious when destroying generators that modify critical configuration files.
EXAMPLE USAGE
Destroying a Model:
`rails destroy model User` - Removes the `User` model, its corresponding migration, and any related routing changes.
Destroying a Controller:
`rails destroy controller Articles` - Removes the `Articles` controller and associated view files.
Destroying a Scaffold:
`rails destroy scaffold Product name:string price:decimal` - Removes the `Product` model, controller, views, and associated routes.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If the `rails destroy` command fails or produces unexpected results, first check the generator log file (`log/generators.rb`) for any errors or inconsistencies. Manual intervention may be needed to resolve conflicts or remove files that were not properly reverted. Ensure you have a good understanding of the changes made by the original generator before running the destroy command.
HISTORY
The `rails destroy` command was introduced as part of the Ruby on Rails framework to provide a mechanism for undoing the actions of generators. It evolved alongside the Rails framework, becoming an essential tool for developers to manage and refactor their projects. The design and functionalities were driven by the need to quickly remove generated code and configurations, aiding in faster and more iterative development cycles. The concept was borrowed from other similar frameworks to help avoid long tedious manual file cleanup after a failed attempt to generate code.
Over time, improvements were made to enhance its reliability and handle more complex scenarios, such as nested resources and polymorphic associations. The command's development mirrored the broader emphasis on developer productivity and code maintainability within the Rails community.
SEE ALSO
rails generate(1)