active_record-attr_updated_by

Updates the timestamp of the attribute you specify based on other attributes.

For example, let's say you wanted to have your event RSS feed update only when the start_time or end_time attributes have changed. We don't want it to be updated if a user makes a typo edit to the description! Instead of using updated_at, we will use rss_updated_at in our feed view.

Note: rss_updated_at must exist in your database schema; otherwise you'll receive an error. Run your migrations as you see fit.

Requirements

AciveRecord

Step 1 - Install

Add this line to your application's Gemfile:

gem 'active_record-attr_updated_by', :git => 'https://github.com/JakeTheSnake3p0/active_record-attr_updated_by.git'

And then execute:

$ bundle

Step 2 - Create Migration

class AddRssTimestampToEvents < ActiveRecord::Migration
  def change
    create_table :events do |t|
      t.datetime :rss_updated_at
    end
  end
end

Step 3 - Update Your Model

class Event < ActiveRecord::Base
  updates_timestamp_on :rss_updated_at, :using => [:start_time, :end_time]
end

Step 4 - Profit!

active_record-attr_updated_by will update rss_updated_at just before saving the model. Your views will change (or not) accordingly.