Optional fragments depending on other fragments

[andrewpthorp]

I would be more than willing to implement this, but I was wondering if it's desired or if it's already possible:

Let's say, you have the following template:

tpl = URITemplate.new(:colon, 'http://some.api.com[/:optional[/:optional2]]')

:optional2: would only be added if :optional1 existed. In other words:

tpl.expand(optional1: 'foo', optional2: 'bar')
# => http://some.api.com/foo/bar

tpl.expand(optional1: 'foo')
# => http://some.api.com/foo

tpl.expand(optional2: 'bar')
# => http://some.api.com

I have seen this pattern implemented in a few APIs (we can debate the design of said APIs another time). Is this possible with uri_template? If not, would there be any interest in me adding it?

If there is interest in me adding it, could we discuss what the pattern would look like for both formats?

Thanks!

[hannesg]

Hi

The colon template in uri_template is currently ultra-simple, so this isn't currently possible. I think it would be great if that was possible. My initial idea for the colon style templates was to implement rails/sinatra-style patterns so that people can simply reuse their routing patterns. So I'd prefer the rails syntax for conditionals: http://some.api.com(/:optional(/:optional2)). Maybe subclassing the colon template class for the different flavours (rails, sinatra, your own ... ) would be an option, too.

Anyway, you have push access now.

Cheers' Hannes

[andrewpthorp]

Thanks! I'll work on this asap.

[hannesg]

Cool!

[hannesg]

Hi @andrewpthorp

Any progress so far? Can I help?

[andrewpthorp]

Hey @hannesg - I was actually on a family vacation all week last week. Going to start on this in the next few days.

I'll let you know where I can help, perhaps we can pair on it!