How to concisely output string only if string has value

Question

I want to know if there is a way to output a string only if the value isn't nil but to it without repeating the item.

In other words I want to do the following:

<%= MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff if !MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff.blank? %>

But without having to repeat the whole thing twice. Not even sure if it's possible but I couldn't figure out the right terms to Google.

If MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff is nil so that <%= MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff %> will returns nil too. And as result it won't print any output in your view. — ole
– ole, Commented Apr 24, 2015 at 0:36

Taryn East · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-24 00:51:31Z

1

<%= MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff %>

will work. Because an outputted nil will turn into an empty string and thus no output in an erb template.

So will presence if you want something more complicated

<%= MyClass.thing.stuff.more_stuff.presence %>

answered Apr 24, 2015 at 0:51

Taryn East

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