Architecture: Rails Hotwire/Stimulus Patterns

arch-rails-hotwire Doc

architecture active

Project

Architecture: Rails Hotwire/Stimulus Patterns

Conventions for Hotwire (Turbo + Stimulus) usage in the paldocs Rails app.

Stimulus Controllers

Controllers live in app/javascript/controllers/
Registered via importmap (no webpack/esbuild build step)
Example: kanban_controller.js for drag-and-drop board interactions

Turbo Frames

Turbo Frames used for partial page updates without full reloads
Each frame scoped to a resource section (e.g. notes list, board column)
Use data-turbo-permanent on elements that must persist state across Turbo navigation

Progressive Enhancement Pattern

HTML <details>/<summary> provides a no-JS baseline for collapsible sections
Stimulus controllers layer on enhancement (animation, async loading) when JS is available
Pattern ensures the app remains functional without JavaScript