Sometimes I need a model which does not have a corresponding table. I would like to use all the validation goodies that come with ActiveRecord in this model. ActiveRecord makes using validation tools in a non ActiveRecord model very difficult.

I have posted the solution on how to accomplish the same for Rails 2.1 here and for Rails 2.2 here .

After implementing the solution in a number of projects, I got tired and converted the solution into a gem. I have tested this gem with Rails 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 and it seems to be working.

Using the gem is easy.

class User < ActiveRecord::NoTable
   validates_presence_of :name
   attr_accessor :name
end

>> user = User.new
>> user.valid?
>> user.errors.full_messages
>> ["Name can't be blank"]

Read the README to find out more about gem active_record_no_table .