Custom helpers, cleaner way?

[raycohen]

I want to create a time_ago_in_words version of most time values I am rendering in my json.

I want to specify which keys this happens for, and I think it belongs in the serializer/view layer (not in the model).

I was able to make a helper method that works like this:

  class VideoSerializer < MyBaseSerializer
    time_attributes :recorded_at, :uploaded_at
  end
  # example serializer.as_json => {:recorded_at_ago => "3 days", :uploaded_at_ago => "2 minutes"}

gist is here: https://gist.github.com/3177989

I am just wondering if there is a more concise way to accomplish this?

[josevalim]

That looks fine. I simply wouldn't the _attributes helper though, it is private and you shouldn't be fiddling with it when simply calling attribute would likely suffice.

[raycohen]

thanks @josevalim - I updated the gist with your suggestions