Question

I want to alter the data and save it then to the database when using the new / create function of the app.

Answer 1

You should use active callbacks, as the two other answers stated. The *before_create* is definitely the one you are looking for. Always do that kind of logic in the model, and not in the controller. Rails mantra (one of many) is “thin controller, fat model”, which enable code reuse more easily.

You can check the active callbacks documentation at :

http://api.rubyonrails.org/classes/ActiveRecord/Callbacks.html

Also, here is an example of what you want to achieve

class MyClass < ActiveRecord::Base
    before_create :alter_my_data

    def alter_my_data
        # any manipulation you want to do here before saving
    end
end