Question

I have a variable that I need globally available throughout my app (so I’ve set @account in the applicationController).

However, a plugin that I have needs access to the same variable.

Note: This variable is distinct on each request.

What is the best way of creating this architecture?

Answer 1

Maybe something like this will work:

class Account
  def self.current
    @current
    # or: Thread.current[:current_account]
  end
  def self.current=(a)
    @current = a
    # or: Thread.current[:current_account] = a # ..if you want to be thread-safe.
  end
  ...
end

# your controller's before_filter:
def assign_account
  ...
  Account.current = @account # But remember to set nil if none found!
end

# Any code in your app (view, model, almost anything):
<%= Account.current.name if Account.current %>