With the release of Rails 8, developers now have access to a built-in authentication generator, making it easier than ever to add user authentication to Rails applications. This new feature eliminates the need for third-party authentication gems in simple use cases while still offering robust security features like password encryption and session management. 

In this post, we will explore how the authentication generator works, the components it creates, and why it simplifies authentication in Rails applications.

Why Built-in Authentication Is Important?

Traditionally, Rails developers have relied on third-party gems like Devise and Authlogic to handle authentication. While these gems provide extensive functionality, they can sometimes be overkill for projects that only require basic authentication. Rails 8 introduces a native solution that integrates seamlessly with the framework, offering:

• A streamlined authentication setup
• Secure password encryption using bcrypt
• Database-backed session management
• Built-in support for password resets

Now that you know why the built-in authentication is important, let’s get to know how you can use basic authentication feature on Ruby on Rails and get data-tracked sessions. 

Using the Authentication Generator

To generate authentication in a Rails 8 application, you can use the new built-in generator:

rails generate authentication User

This command creates an authentication system for a User model, including:

• A migration to create a users table with authentication fields
• A User model with authentication methods
• A sessions controller for handling login and logout
• Views for login and signup forms

The Generated User Model

The authentication generator creates a User model with secure password handling using has_secure_password:

class User < ApplicationRecord

 has_secure_password

  validates :email, presence: true, uniqueness: true

end

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This ensures that passwords are securely hashed using bcrypt and that email addresses are unique.

Database Migration

The generator also creates a migration to add the necessary authentication fields:

class CreateUsers < ActiveRecord::Migration[7.1]

 def change

   create_table :users do |t|

     t.string :email, null: false, unique: true

     t.string :password_digest, null: false

     t.timestamps

   end

 end

end

The generator includes a migration that sets up the users table with essential authentication fields. It adds email (ensuring uniqueness) and password_digest for secure password storage, along with timestamps to track user records effortlessly.

Sessions Controller

The generator includes a SessionsController to handle authentication logic:

class SessionsController < ApplicationController

 def new

 end

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 def create

   user = User.find_by(email: params[:email])

   if user&.authenticate(params[:password])

     session[:user_id] = user.id

     redirect_to root_path, notice: "Logged in successfully"

   else

     flash.now[:alert] = "Invalid email or password"

     render :new

   end

 end

 def destroy

   session[:user_id] = nil

   redirect_to root_path, notice: "Logged out successfully"

 end

end

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The built-in SessionsController handles user login, logout, and session management with clean, straightforward logic. It securely authenticates users, sets their session ID upon login, and clears it on logout. This simplicity ensures a smooth and secure user experience.

Learn how to optimize database queries in Ruby on Rails. 

Password Reset Feature

Another feature that Ruby on Rails introduced is password reset feature. The built-in authentication system includes support for password resets by generating password reset tokens and sending emails. To trigger a password reset:

rails generate mailer UserMailer

Then implement the mailer and controller logic to handle reset links and password updates.

Benefits of Built-in Authentication  Over Third-Party Gems

When it comes to managing user authentication in Rails, the built-in authentication generator is like that trusty friend who gets things done without unnecessary drama. Here’s why it outshines third-party solutions:

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Simplicity at Its Best: Forget the headache of over-engineered systems. The built-in generator provides a clean, no-frills authentication setup that just works. No rabbit hole of configurations or mind-boggling docs, you just need a solid foundation to build on.

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Rock-Solid Security: Rails’ secret weapon, has_secure_password, takes care of encryption and secure session handling like a pro. You get a robust, built-in layer of security that’s trusted and battle-tested, all without introducing third-party vulnerabilities.

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Endless Customizability: Unlike opinionated gems like Devise, the built-in approach lets you do you. Want to tweak the flow, customize validations, or implement features that scream “bespoke”? Go for it. It’s flexible enough to adapt to your app’s unique needs, giving you complete control.

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Say Goodbye to Dependency Drama: Third-party gems can be high-maintenance divas, demanding constant updates and compatibility checks. With the built-in system, you’re trimming the fat—less dependency management means fewer headaches and more focus on what really matters: your app.

Conclusion

That’s everything you need to know about basic authentication generator in Ruby on Rails. The introduction of the basic authentication generator in Rails 8 streamlines user authentication, making it easier and more secure for developers to integrate authentication into their applications. By leveraging Rails' built-in features, developers can avoid unnecessary dependencies while maintaining a robust authentication system. If you’re starting a new Rails project, consider using this built-in solution to simplify authentication and keep your application lightweight and maintainable. Or head to Techdots to get real-time assistance.

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