action-cable-patterns

Provide Action Cable channel patterns for real-time Rails app features.

Updated Mar 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/reckerswartz/resume_builder --skill action-cable-patterns-reckerswartz
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: action-cable-patterns
Source: https://github.com/reckerswartz/resume_builder/tree/main/.windsurf/skills/action-cable-patterns
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/reckerswartz/resume_builder --skill action-cable-patterns-reckerswartz

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Actionable real-time features in Rails apps require a reliable integration approach; this Skill provides reusable Action Cable patterns to streamline live updates, chat, and notifications.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pattern 1: Notifications Channel — streams per-user notifications via stream_for current_user
  • Pattern 2: Resource Updates Channel — streams updates for a specific resource with authorization
  • Pattern 3: Chat Channel — bidirectional messaging with speak and typing actions, presence tracking
  • Pattern 4: Dashboard Live Updates — broadcasts stats and activity to all account members

Quick Start

Configure your Rails app to use Action Cable patterns, wire up the JavaScript subscriptions, and begin broadcasting real-time updates.

Frequently Asked Questions about action-cable-patterns

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I add real-time notifications and chat to a Rails application?▼

You can add real-time notifications and chat to a Rails application using Action Cable patterns. This approach provides four pre-built channel patterns for notifications, resource updates, bidirectional chat, and live dashboard stats.

What is the best way to broadcast live dashboard updates to all account members in Rails?▼

The best way to broadcast live dashboard updates in Rails is using a dedicated Action Cable dashboard channel pattern. This pattern broadcasts stats and activity streams directly to all connected account members simultaneously.

How do I test Action Cable channels for real-time Rails features?▼

You test Action Cable channels using the bundled reference set of testing guidance included with the patterns. It provides specific testing and performance considerations for validating real-time Rails features like chat and notifications.

Can I use these Action Cable patterns with Rails 8 applications?▼

Yes, these Action Cable patterns are explicitly applicable to Rails 8 applications. They are designed to integrate live updates, chat, and notifications seamlessly into your Rails 8 environment without extra dependencies.

How do I track user presence and typing status in a Rails chat channel?▼

You track user presence and typing status in a Rails chat channel using the bidirectional Action Cable chat pattern. It includes specific client JavaScript stubs and server-side actions for speak and typing events.

How does Action Cable handle streaming updates for a specific resource with authorization?▼

Action Cable handles streaming updates for a specific resource using a dedicated resource updates channel pattern. This pattern manages targeted broadcasts while enforcing authorization checks before streaming data to subscribers.