From: Zach Dennis <zdennis@...>
Date: 2005-07-06T02:33:37+09:00
Subject: Re: RoR: Tree and Grid Widgets

Jenjhiz wrote:
> So far I'm impressed with what I see in RoR. I look at using RoR to
> write traditional c/s database applications. The interface I prefer is
> a tree on the left side and an integrated view of a set of records on
> the right side, either displaying a single record in form format, or a
> set of records in grid format. I haven't seen examples of this type of
> RoR application. Any pointers? 

There are a few ways you can handle displaying/loading the interface:
  1 - using frames, a left and right frame
  2 - everything in 1 view, on 1 page
    a. use standard HTTP Request
    b. use XmlHTTPRequests

I'd recommend using 2b. For your tree/grid component you'd simply use 
some javascript, html/css and perhaps a few images. You could wrap each 
item of your tree/grid in a javascript object. When the user selects the 
next tree/grid item you could send the XmlHTTPRequest to rails, which 
would process and send back the information associated to your selected 
item.

You could use javascript on the client-side and have it update your text 
boxes which displayed actual record data.

Zach