Question

I’m creating a system where users can refer other users and in turn receive benefits. I currently have a User model created via Devise for authentication.

Just wondering what is the best way to create the referral model?

So far I have something like this as my table:

id user_id referrer_id

However, by default referred_id will infer a model called referrer. Anyway to automate the creation of referrals? Also just wondering how others have implemented this feature.

Answer 1

If you only need to store the referring user there’s probably no need for another model. Just associate with another User object:

class User < ActiveRecord::Base
  belongs_to :referrer, :class_name => "User"
end

Just be sure to add a referrer_id column to your users table.