Accessing an arbitrary action in rails -

i confused how access action in rails controller not associated 1 particular model. routing file, default, seems routing action name "id". if type, say, /user/login, end error says: "couldn't find user 'id'= login"

what proper way access arbitrary action names in rails?

make route it, obviously. request goes way:

• first hits route
• from there hits controllers' action
• [an action may invoke model] (optional, common)
• controller specified view , fetches data render
• view sent in response request

resource , resources might not obvious do. in fact, shorthands corresponding collections of routes used quite often, this resources adds. , they're not monoliths, can customised fit needs. providing options start, can provide block define custom action routes resource so:

resources :users   :login end 

this add /users/login route maps userscontroller#login, following rails' conventions.

see guide more details , don't forget run rake routes see have @ moment.