The Rails routing system has always been a key component of theframework, and with the introduction of RESTful routes in the pastyear, it has taken center stage. Fully programmable, the routing systemgoverns the process of mapping request URLs to the appropriatecontroller action. Routing also helps you when you're writing code,especially view templates, where the same logic that interprets URLsworks in reverse to automate the generation of URL strings in yourcode. As all routing is rule-based, you have to know how to write therules to get the most out of the routing system. In this short cut, you'lllearn techniques for writing custom routing rules, how to tap into theconvenience and power of named routes, and the workings of theRESTful routing that's had such an impact on Rails development.

Along with a thorough introduction to routing syntax and semantics,you'll find techniques for testing and troubleshooting routes, and tipson the use of this important part of your Rails skill set.

Section 1: What This Short Cut Covers 3

Section 2: Introduction 6

Section 3: The Routing System 13

Section 4: Writing Custom Routes 31

Section 5: Named Routes 45

Section 6: REST, Resources, Representations, Routing, and Ruby on Rails 53

Section 7: Reflecting on Routes 91

Further Resources 112

Acknowledgments 113

About the Author 114