How do I save to database from a model Method in rails

Question

I have a field in my User model called unique_identifier which I want to populate with the outcome of the create_unqiue_identifier method below.

How can I add this to the database for the user?

class User < ApplicationRecord
    has_secure_password

    def create_unique_identifer
        loop do
            self. unique_identifier = SecureRandom.hex(5) # or whatever you chose like UUID tools
            break unless self.class.exists?(:unique_identifier => unique_identifier)
          end
        // add something here to store unique_identifer to the database?
    end
end

Answer 1

I have figured this out, I have to return the result of create_unique_identifier back to my controller. Then within the controller I can save the unique_identifier for the User.

    def create_unique_identifer()
        loop do
            self. unique_identifier = SecureRandom.hex(5) # or whatever you chose like UUID tools
            break unless self.class.exists?(:unique_identifier => unique_identifier)
          end
        unique_identifier
    end

to save I then added the below code to my controller:

      if @user.unique_identifier.nil?
        unique_identifier = @user.create_unique_identifer
        @user.update(unique_identifier: unique_identifier)
      end