Returning javascript from rails helper

Question

I am having problems returning javascript from helper functions. I am unable to get the following test case to work:

function in helpers/application_helper.rb

def show_stuff
    return '$("div#flash").html("<p> stuff </p>");'
end

now I try to call this helper function in general.js.erb

<%= show_stuff %>

Here is the output

$("div#flash").html("<p> stuff </p>");

I've also tried show_stuff.html_safe and raw show_stuff and had no luck. I feel the issue is Rails auto-escaping html but have been unable to find a solution.

Answer 1

ERB is escaping the characters in your outputted Javascript.

To prevent this happening use the raw method in your template.

<%= javascript_tag do %>
    <%= raw(show_stuff) %>
<% end %>

I've added the javascript_tag method around this for context.