hotwire_nested_form 1.3.0 → 1.5.0

checksums.yaml

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
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data/CHANGELOG.md

@@ -7,6 +7,44 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+## [1.5.0] - 2026-02-06
+
+### Added
+- Accessibility (a11y) support enabled by default
+  - `data-nested-form-a11y-value` - enable/disable accessibility features (default: `true`)
+  - `role="group"` and `aria-label` automatically set on controller element
+  - Live region (`aria-live="polite"`) for screen reader announcements
+  - Focus management: first input focused after add, add button focused after remove
+  - Announcements: "Item N added.", "Item removed. N remaining.", "Item duplicated."
+- Duplicate/Clone nested items
+  - `link_to_duplicate_association` Ruby helper
+  - `nested-form#duplicate` Stimulus action
+  - Clones item with field values, generates new index, clears persisted record ID
+  - Respects max limit
+  - New events: `nested-form:before-duplicate` (cancelable), `nested-form:after-duplicate`
+
+## [1.4.0] - 2026-02-06
+
+### Added
+- Add/remove animations with CSS transitions
+  - `data-nested-form-animation-value` - animation type: `"fade"`, `"slide"`, or `""` (none)
+  - `data-nested-form-animation-duration-value` - duration in ms (default: 300)
+  - CSS classes: `nested-form-enter`, `nested-form-enter-active`, `nested-form-exit-active`
+  - Optional animation stylesheet: `hotwire_nested_form/animations.css`
+  - Install with: `rails g hotwire_nested_form:install --animations`
+  - NPM users: `import "hotwire-nested-form-stimulus/css/animations.css"`
+- Deep nesting (multi-level nested forms)
+  - Association-specific placeholders (`NEW_TASK_RECORD`, `NEW_SUBTASK_RECORD`) prevent collisions
+  - Each `link_to_add_association` automatically generates unique placeholders per association
+  - `<template>` tags for template storage (replaces `data-template` attribute for reliable deep nesting)
+  - Full backward compatibility - single-level forms work unchanged
+
+### Changed
+- Template HTML now stored in `<template>` tags instead of `data-template` attributes
+- `link_to_add_association` outputs `<template>` + `<a>` tag pair
+- Controller `remove()` refactored into `remove()` + `removeElement()` for animation support
+- Added `getTemplate()` method for flexible template lookup
+
 ## [1.3.0] - 2026-02-06
 
 ### Added

data/Gemfile.lock

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 PATH
   remote: .
   specs:
-    hotwire_nested_form (1.3.0)
+    hotwire_nested_form (1.5.0)
       rails (>= 7.0)
 
 GEM

data/README.md

@@ -272,6 +272,200 @@ params.require(:project).permit(:name,
 }
 ```
 
+## Animations
+
+Add smooth CSS transitions when items are added or removed:
+
+```erb
+<div data-controller="nested-form"
+     data-nested-form-animation-value="fade"
+     data-nested-form-animation-duration-value="300">
+  <!-- nested fields -->
+</div>
+```
+
+### Include the Animation Stylesheet
+
+**Rails (generator):**
+```bash
+rails g hotwire_nested_form:install --animations
+```
+
+**Rails (manual):** Add to your stylesheet:
+```css
+@import "hotwire_nested_form/animations";
+```
+
+**NPM:**
+```javascript
+import "hotwire-nested-form-stimulus/css/animations.css"
+```
+
+### Animation Options
+
+| Attribute | Default | Description |
+|-----------|---------|-------------|
+| `data-nested-form-animation-value` | `""` | `"fade"`, `"slide"`, or `""` (none) |
+| `data-nested-form-animation-duration-value` | `300` | Duration in milliseconds |
+
+### CSS Classes
+
+| Class | When Applied |
+|-------|-------------|
+| `nested-form-enter` | Immediately on add |
+| `nested-form-enter-active` | Next frame after add (triggers transition) |
+| `nested-form-exit-active` | On remove (triggers transition, then element is hidden/removed) |
+
+You can customize the animations by overriding these classes in your stylesheet.
+
+## Deep Nesting (Multi-Level)
+
+Nest forms inside forms (e.g. Project -> Tasks -> Subtasks):
+
+### 1. Model Setup
+
+```ruby
+class Project < ApplicationRecord
+  has_many :tasks, dependent: :destroy
+  accepts_nested_attributes_for :tasks, allow_destroy: true
+end
+
+class Task < ApplicationRecord
+  belongs_to :project
+  has_many :subtasks, dependent: :destroy
+  accepts_nested_attributes_for :subtasks, allow_destroy: true
+end
+```
+
+### 2. Form Setup
+
+```erb
+<%# _form.html.erb %>
+<%= form_with model: @project do |f| %>
+  <div data-controller="nested-form">
+    <div id="tasks">
+      <%= f.fields_for :tasks do |tf| %>
+        <%= render "task_fields", f: tf %>
+      <% end %>
+    </div>
+    <%= link_to_add_association "Add Task", f, :tasks,
+          insertion: :append, target: "#tasks" %>
+  </div>
+  <%= f.submit %>
+<% end %>
+
+<%# _task_fields.html.erb %>
+<div class="nested-fields">
+  <%= f.text_field :name %>
+  <%= link_to_remove_association "Remove Task", f %>
+
+  <div data-controller="nested-form">
+    <div id="subtasks">
+      <%= f.fields_for :subtasks do |sf| %>
+        <%= render "subtask_fields", f: sf %>
+      <% end %>
+    </div>
+    <%= link_to_add_association "Add Subtask", f, :subtasks,
+          insertion: :append, target: "#subtasks" %>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<%# _subtask_fields.html.erb %>
+<div class="nested-fields">
+  <%= f.text_field :name %>
+  <%= link_to_remove_association "Remove", f %>
+</div>
+```
+
+### 3. Controller Params
+
+```ruby
+def project_params
+  params.require(:project).permit(:name,
+    tasks_attributes: [:id, :name, :_destroy,
+      subtasks_attributes: [:id, :name, :_destroy]])
+end
+```
+
+Each nesting level automatically gets a unique placeholder (`NEW_TASK_RECORD`, `NEW_SUBTASK_RECORD`) so adding items at one level doesn't affect templates at other levels. Each `data-controller="nested-form"` operates independently.
+
+## Accessibility
+
+Accessibility features are **enabled by default**. The controller automatically:
+
+- Sets `role="group"` and `aria-label` on the controller element
+- Creates an `aria-live="polite"` region for screen reader announcements
+- Focuses the first input when a new item is added
+- Moves focus to the "Add" button when an item is removed
+- Announces add/remove/duplicate actions to screen readers
+
+### Disabling Accessibility
+
+```erb
+<div data-controller="nested-form"
+     data-nested-form-a11y-value="false">
+  <!-- fields -->
+</div>
+```
+
+### Custom ARIA Label
+
+Set your own `aria-label` and the controller will preserve it:
+
+```erb
+<div data-controller="nested-form"
+     aria-label="Project tasks">
+  <!-- fields -->
+</div>
+```
+
+## Duplicate/Clone
+
+Duplicate an existing nested item (with its field values) as a starting point for a new item:
+
+### 1. Add Duplicate Button to Partial
+
+```erb
+<%# _task_fields.html.erb %>
+<div class="nested-fields">
+  <%= f.text_field :name %>
+  <%= link_to_duplicate_association "Duplicate", f, class: "btn-sm" %>
+  <%= link_to_remove_association "Remove", f %>
+</div>
+```
+
+### 2. That's It!
+
+Clicking "Duplicate" will:
+- Clone the item with all current field values
+- Generate a new unique index (so Rails creates a new record)
+- Remove the persisted record ID (so it saves as a new record)
+- Respect the max limit
+- Animate the new item if animations are enabled
+- Focus the first input of the clone
+- Announce "Item duplicated." to screen readers
+
+### Duplicate Events
+
+| Event | Cancelable | Detail |
+|-------|------------|--------|
+| `nested-form:before-duplicate` | Yes | `{ source }` |
+| `nested-form:after-duplicate` | No | `{ source, clone }` |
+
+```javascript
+// Customize the clone before it's inserted
+document.addEventListener("nested-form:after-duplicate", (event) => {
+  const clone = event.detail.clone
+  // Clear specific fields in the clone
+  clone.querySelector("input[name*='description']").value = ""
+})
+
+// Prevent duplication conditionally
+document.addEventListener("nested-form:before-duplicate", (event) => {
+  if (someCondition) event.preventDefault()
+})
+```
+
 ## NPM Package (JavaScript-only)
 
 For non-Rails projects using Stimulus, install via npm:
@@ -358,6 +552,31 @@ link_to_remove_association(name, form, options = {}, &block)
 <% end %>
 ```
 
+### link_to_duplicate_association
+
+```ruby
+link_to_duplicate_association(name, form, options = {}, &block)
+```
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| (standard HTML options) | | | Passed to the `<a>` tag |
+
+**Examples:**
+
+```erb
+<%# Basic usage %>
+<%= link_to_duplicate_association "Duplicate", f %>
+
+<%# With HTML classes %>
+<%= link_to_duplicate_association "Duplicate", f, class: "btn btn-sm" %>
+
+<%# With block %>
+<%= link_to_duplicate_association f do %>
+  <span class="icon">📋</span> Copy
+<% end %>
+```
+
 ## JavaScript Events
 
 | Event | Cancelable | Detail | When |
@@ -370,6 +589,8 @@ link_to_remove_association(name, form, options = {}, &block)
 | `nested-form:minimum-reached` | No | `{ minimum, current }` | When min limit reached |
 | `nested-form:before-sort` | Yes | `{ item, oldIndex }` | Before drag starts |
 | `nested-form:after-sort` | No | `{ item, oldIndex, newIndex }` | After drop completes |
+| `nested-form:before-duplicate` | Yes | `{ source }` | Before duplicating item |
+| `nested-form:after-duplicate` | No | `{ source, clone }` | After item duplicated |
 
 **Usage Examples:**
 

data/app/assets/stylesheets/hotwire_nested_form/animations.css

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+/*
+ * hotwire_nested_form - Animation Styles
+ *
+ * Include this stylesheet for smooth add/remove transitions.
+ * Enable with: data-nested-form-animation-value="fade" or "slide"
+ *
+ * Rails: Include in your application stylesheet or copy to app/assets/stylesheets/
+ * NPM: import "hotwire-nested-form/css/animations.css"
+ */
+
+/* Fade animation (default) */
+.nested-form-enter {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active {
+  opacity: 1;
+  transform: translateY(0);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+/* Slide animation */
+.nested-form-enter[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 500px;
+  opacity: 1;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}

data/lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/install_generator.rb

@@ -7,11 +7,21 @@ module HotwireNestedForm
 
       desc 'Install hotwire_nested_form'
 
+      class_option :animations, type: :boolean, default: false,
+                                desc: 'Copy animation stylesheet'
+
       def copy_stimulus_controller
         copy_file 'nested_form_controller.js',
                   'app/javascript/controllers/nested_form_controller.js'
       end
 
+      def copy_animation_stylesheet
+        return unless options[:animations]
+
+        copy_file 'animations.css',
+                  'app/assets/stylesheets/hotwire_nested_form/animations.css'
+      end
+
       def show_post_install_message
         say ''
         say '=' * 60

data/lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/templates/animations.css

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+/*
+ * hotwire_nested_form - Animation Styles
+ *
+ * Include this stylesheet for smooth add/remove transitions.
+ * Enable with: data-nested-form-animation-value="fade" or "slide"
+ *
+ * Rails: Include in your application stylesheet or copy to app/assets/stylesheets/
+ * NPM: import "hotwire-nested-form/css/animations.css"
+ */
+
+/* Fade animation (default) */
+.nested-form-enter {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active {
+  opacity: 1;
+  transform: translateY(0);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+/* Slide animation */
+.nested-form-enter[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 500px;
+  opacity: 1;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}

data/lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/templates/nested_form_controller.js

@@ -8,16 +8,24 @@ export default class extends Controller {
     limitBehavior: { type: String, default: "disable" },
     sortable: { type: Boolean, default: false },
     positionField: { type: String, default: "position" },
-    sortHandle: { type: String, default: "" }
+    sortHandle: { type: String, default: "" },
+    animation: { type: String, default: "" },
+    animationDuration: { type: Number, default: 300 },
+    a11y: { type: Boolean, default: true }
   }
 
   connect() {
+    if (this.a11yValue) this.setupAccessibility()
     this.updateButtonStates()
     if (this.sortableValue) this.initializeSortable()
   }
 
   disconnect() {
     if (this.sortableInstance) this.sortableInstance.destroy()
+    if (this.liveRegion) {
+      this.liveRegion.remove()
+      this.liveRegion = null
+    }
   }
 
   get currentCount() {
@@ -42,7 +50,7 @@ export default class extends Controller {
       return
     }
 
-    const template = event.currentTarget.dataset.template
+    const template = this.getTemplate(event.currentTarget)
     const insertion = event.currentTarget.dataset.insertion || "before"
     const targetSelector = event.currentTarget.dataset.target
     const count = parseInt(event.currentTarget.dataset.count) || 1
@@ -76,6 +84,14 @@ export default class extends Controller {
 
     if (beforeEvent.defaultPrevented) return
 
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateOut(wrapper, () => this.removeElement(wrapper))
+    } else {
+      this.removeElement(wrapper)
+    }
+  }
+
+  removeElement(wrapper) {
     const destroyInput = wrapper.querySelector("input[name*='_destroy']")
 
     if (destroyInput) {
@@ -87,11 +103,31 @@ export default class extends Controller {
 
     this.dispatch("after-remove", { detail: { wrapper } })
     this.updateButtonStates()
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      const addButton = this.element.querySelector('[data-action*="nested-form#add"]')
+      if (addButton) addButton.focus()
+      this.announce(`Item removed. ${this.currentCount} remaining.`)
+    }
+  }
+
+  getTemplate(trigger) {
+    // Prefer <template> tag (handles deep nesting), fall back to data-template
+    const placeholder = trigger.dataset.placeholder
+    if (placeholder) {
+      const templateEl = this.element.querySelector(
+        `template[data-nested-form-template="${placeholder}"]`
+      )
+      if (templateEl) return templateEl.innerHTML
+    }
+    return trigger.dataset.template
   }
 
   insertFields(template, insertion, targetSelector, trigger) {
     const newId = new Date().getTime()
-    const content = template.replace(/NEW_RECORD/g, newId)
+    const placeholder = trigger.dataset.placeholder || "NEW_RECORD"
+    const regex = new RegExp(placeholder, "g")
+    const content = template.replace(regex, newId)
 
     const fragment = document.createRange().createContextualFragment(content)
     const wrapper = fragment.firstElementChild
@@ -122,6 +158,144 @@ export default class extends Controller {
     }
 
     this.dispatch("after-add", { detail: { wrapper } })
+
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateIn(wrapper)
+    }
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      this.focusFirstInput(wrapper)
+      this.announce(`Item ${this.currentCount} added.`)
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Duplicate
+
+  duplicate(event) {
+    event.preventDefault()
+
+    if (this.currentCount >= this.maxValue) {
+      this.dispatch("limit-reached", {
+        detail: { limit: this.maxValue, current: this.currentCount }
+      })
+      return
+    }
+
+    const wrapper = event.currentTarget.closest(`.${this.wrapperClassValue}`)
+    if (!wrapper) return
+
+    const beforeEvent = this.dispatch("before-duplicate", {
+      cancelable: true,
+      detail: { source: wrapper }
+    })
+
+    if (beforeEvent.defaultPrevented) return
+
+    const clone = wrapper.cloneNode(true)
+    const newId = new Date().getTime()
+
+    this.prepareClone(clone, newId)
+
+    wrapper.after(clone)
+
+    this.dispatch("after-duplicate", {
+      detail: { source: wrapper, clone: clone }
+    })
+
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateIn(clone)
+    }
+
+    this.updateButtonStates()
+    if (this.sortableValue) this.updatePositions()
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      this.focusFirstInput(clone)
+      this.announce("Item duplicated.")
+    }
+  }
+
+  prepareClone(clone, newId) {
+    const idInput = clone.querySelector("input[name*='[id]'][type='hidden']")
+    if (idInput) idInput.remove()
+
+    const destroyInput = clone.querySelector("input[name*='_destroy']")
+    if (destroyInput) destroyInput.value = "false"
+
+    const elements = clone.querySelectorAll("input, select, textarea, label")
+    elements.forEach(el => {
+      if (el.name) {
+        el.name = el.name.replace(/\[\d+\]/, `[${newId}]`)
+      }
+      if (el.id) {
+        el.id = el.id.replace(/_\d+_/, `_${newId}_`)
+      }
+      if (el.htmlFor) {
+        el.htmlFor = el.htmlFor.replace(/_\d+_/, `_${newId}_`)
+      }
+    })
+
+    clone.style.display = ""
+  }
+
+  // Accessibility
+
+  setupAccessibility() {
+    this.element.setAttribute("role", "group")
+    if (!this.element.getAttribute("aria-label")) {
+      this.element.setAttribute("aria-label", "Nested form fields")
+    }
+
+    this.liveRegion = document.createElement("div")
+    this.liveRegion.setAttribute("aria-live", "polite")
+    this.liveRegion.setAttribute("aria-atomic", "true")
+    this.liveRegion.classList.add("nested-form-live-region")
+    this.liveRegion.style.cssText = "position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0)"
+    this.element.appendChild(this.liveRegion)
+  }
+
+  announce(message) {
+    if (!this.liveRegion) return
+    this.liveRegion.textContent = ""
+    requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      this.liveRegion.textContent = message
+    })
+  }
+
+  focusFirstInput(wrapper) {
+    const focusable = wrapper.querySelector(
+      'input:not([type="hidden"]), select, textarea'
+    )
+    if (focusable) {
+      setTimeout(() => focusable.focus(), 50)
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Animations
+
+  animateIn(element) {
+    element.classList.add("nested-form-enter")
+    requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+        element.classList.add("nested-form-enter-active")
+        setTimeout(() => {
+          element.classList.remove("nested-form-enter", "nested-form-enter-active")
+        }, this.animationDurationValue)
+      })
+    })
+  }
+
+  animateOut(element, callback) {
+    element.classList.add("nested-form-exit-active")
+
+    const done = () => {
+      element.classList.remove("nested-form-exit-active")
+      callback()
+    }
+
+    element.addEventListener("transitionend", done, { once: true })
+    // Fallback if transitionend doesn't fire
+    setTimeout(done, this.animationDurationValue + 50)
   }
 
   updateButtonStates() {

data/lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers/add_association.rb

@@ -42,32 +42,42 @@ module HotwireNestedForm
         insertion = options.delete(:insertion) || :before
         target = options.delete(:target)
 
+        # Generate association-specific placeholder for deep nesting
+        placeholder = "NEW_#{association.to_s.upcase.singularize}_RECORD"
+
         # Build the template
         template = build_association_template(
           form,
           association,
           partial: partial,
           render_options: render_options,
-          wrap_object: wrap_object
+          wrap_object: wrap_object,
+          placeholder: placeholder
         )
 
-        # Build data attributes
+        # Build data attributes for the link
         data = options[:data] || {}
         data[:action] = 'nested-form#add'
-        data[:template] = template
         data[:insertion] = insertion
         data[:count] = count if count > 1
         data[:target] = target if target
+        data[:placeholder] = placeholder
 
         options[:data] = data
         options[:href] = '#'
 
-        content_tag(:a, name, options)
+        # Use <template> tag to store the HTML template (handles deep nesting)
+        # The template content is generated by Rails' fields_for/render, not user input
+        template_tag = content_tag(:template, template.html_safe, # rubocop:disable Rails/OutputSafety
+                                   data: { nested_form_template: placeholder })
+        link_tag = content_tag(:a, name, options)
+
+        template_tag + link_tag
       end
 
       private
 
-      def build_association_template(form, association, partial:, render_options:, wrap_object:)
+      def build_association_template(form, association, partial:, render_options:, wrap_object:, placeholder:)
         # Get the association reflection
         reflection = form.object.class.reflect_on_association(association)
         raise ArgumentError, "Association #{association} not found" unless reflection
@@ -78,10 +88,8 @@ module HotwireNestedForm
         # Determine partial name
         partial_name = partial || "#{association.to_s.singularize}_fields"
 
-        # Render the fields using fields_for
-        # This works with both standard Rails FormBuilder and SimpleForm::FormBuilder
-        # SimpleForm overrides fields_for to use simple_fields_for internally
-        form.fields_for(association, new_object, child_index: 'NEW_RECORD') do |builder|
+        # Use association-specific placeholder for deep nesting support
+        form.fields_for(association, new_object, child_index: placeholder) do |builder|
           locals = (render_options[:locals] || {}).merge(f: builder)
           render(partial: partial_name, locals: locals)
         end

data/lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers/duplicate_association.rb

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# frozen_string_literal: true
+
+module HotwireNestedForm
+  module Helpers
+    module DuplicateAssociation
+      # Generates a link to duplicate a nested form item
+      #
+      # @param name [String] Link text (or use block)
+      # @param form [FormBuilder] Nested form object
+      # @param options [Hash] HTML attributes
+      # @yield Block for custom link content
+      # @return [String] HTML link element
+      #
+      # @example Basic usage
+      #   <%= link_to_duplicate_association "Duplicate", f %>
+      #
+      # @example With block
+      #   <%= link_to_duplicate_association f do %>
+      #     <span>Copy</span>
+      #   <% end %>
+      #
+      def link_to_duplicate_association(name = nil, form = nil, options = {}, &)
+        if block_given?
+          options = form || {}
+          form = name
+          name = capture(&)
+        end
+
+        raise ArgumentError, 'form is required' unless form
+
+        options = options.dup
+
+        data = options[:data] || {}
+        data[:action] = 'nested-form#duplicate'
+
+        options[:data] = data
+        options[:href] = '#'
+
+        content_tag(:a, name, options)
+      end
+    end
+  end
+end

data/lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers.rb

@@ -2,10 +2,12 @@
 
 require_relative 'helpers/add_association'
 require_relative 'helpers/remove_association'
+require_relative 'helpers/duplicate_association'
 
 module HotwireNestedForm
   module Helpers
     include AddAssociation
     include RemoveAssociation
+    include DuplicateAssociation
   end
 end

data/lib/hotwire_nested_form/version.rb

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 # frozen_string_literal: true
 
 module HotwireNestedForm
-  VERSION = '1.3.0'
+  VERSION = '1.5.0'
 end

data/npm/README.md

@@ -30,23 +30,33 @@ application.register("nested-form", NestedFormController)
     <!-- Existing nested fields go here -->
   </div>
 
+  <template data-nested-form-template="NEW_ITEM_RECORD">
+    <div class="nested-fields">
+      <input name="items[NEW_ITEM_RECORD][name]">
+      <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#remove">Remove</a>
+    </div>
+  </template>
   <a href="#"
      data-action="nested-form#add"
-     data-template="<div class='nested-fields'><input name='items[][name]'><a href='#' data-action='nested-form#remove'>Remove</a></div>">
+     data-placeholder="NEW_ITEM_RECORD"
+     data-insertion="append"
+     data-target="#items">
     Add Item
   </a>
 </div>
 ```
 
-### Data Attributes
+### Data Attributes (on add button)
 
 | Attribute | Description | Default |
 |-----------|-------------|---------|
-| `data-template` | HTML template for new fields (use `NEW_RECORD` as placeholder) | Required |
+| `data-placeholder` | Placeholder string in template to replace with unique ID | `"NEW_RECORD"` |
 | `data-insertion` | Where to insert: `before`, `after`, `append`, `prepend` | `before` |
 | `data-count` | Number of fields to add per click | `1` |
 | `data-target` | CSS selector for insertion container | Parent element |
 
+**Note:** For backward compatibility, `data-template` (inline HTML) is still supported, but `<template>` tags are recommended for deep nesting support.
+
 ### Min/Max Limits
 
 ```html
@@ -98,6 +108,93 @@ window.Sortable = Sortable
 | `data-nested-form-position-field-value` | `"position"` | Position field name |
 | `data-nested-form-sort-handle-value` | (none) | Drag handle selector |
 
+### Animations
+
+Add smooth CSS transitions when items are added or removed:
+
+```javascript
+import "hotwire-nested-form-stimulus/css/animations.css"
+```
+
+```html
+<div data-controller="nested-form"
+     data-nested-form-animation-value="fade"
+     data-nested-form-animation-duration-value="300">
+  <!-- fields here -->
+</div>
+```
+
+| Attribute | Default | Description |
+|-----------|---------|-------------|
+| `data-nested-form-animation-value` | `""` | `"fade"`, `"slide"`, or `""` (none) |
+| `data-nested-form-animation-duration-value` | `300` | Duration in milliseconds |
+
+### Deep Nesting
+
+For multi-level nesting, use `<template>` tags and `data-placeholder` attributes. Each nesting level needs its own `data-controller="nested-form"` and a unique placeholder:
+
+```html
+<div data-controller="nested-form">
+  <div id="tasks">
+    <!-- task items here -->
+  </div>
+
+  <template data-nested-form-template="NEW_TASK_RECORD">
+    <div class="nested-fields">
+      <input name="items[tasks][NEW_TASK_RECORD][name]">
+
+      <!-- Nested level 2 -->
+      <div data-controller="nested-form">
+        <div id="subtasks"></div>
+        <template data-nested-form-template="NEW_SUBTASK_RECORD">
+          <div class="nested-fields">
+            <input name="items[tasks][NEW_TASK_RECORD][subtasks][NEW_SUBTASK_RECORD][name]">
+            <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#remove">Remove</a>
+          </div>
+        </template>
+        <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#add"
+           data-placeholder="NEW_SUBTASK_RECORD"
+           data-insertion="append" data-target="#subtasks">Add Subtask</a>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  </template>
+  <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#add"
+     data-placeholder="NEW_TASK_RECORD"
+     data-insertion="append" data-target="#tasks">Add Task</a>
+</div>
+```
+
+The controller replaces only the matching placeholder per button, so nested templates stay intact.
+
+### Accessibility
+
+Accessibility is **enabled by default**. The controller automatically:
+
+- Sets `role="group"` and `aria-label` on the container
+- Creates a live region for screen reader announcements
+- Manages focus on add/remove/duplicate actions
+
+Disable with:
+
+```html
+<div data-controller="nested-form"
+     data-nested-form-a11y-value="false">
+```
+
+### Duplicate/Clone
+
+Add a duplicate button to clone an existing item with its field values:
+
+```html
+<div class="nested-fields">
+  <input name="items[][name]" value="Task A">
+  <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#duplicate">Duplicate</a>
+  <a href="#" data-action="nested-form#remove">Remove</a>
+</div>
+```
+
+The clone gets a new unique index and any persisted record ID is removed so it saves as a new record.
+
 ### Events
 
 | Event | Cancelable | Detail |
@@ -110,6 +207,8 @@ window.Sortable = Sortable
 | `nested-form:minimum-reached` | No | `{ minimum, current }` |
 | `nested-form:before-sort` | Yes | `{ item, oldIndex }` |
 | `nested-form:after-sort` | No | `{ item, oldIndex, newIndex }` |
+| `nested-form:before-duplicate` | Yes | `{ source }` |
+| `nested-form:after-duplicate` | No | `{ source, clone }` |
 
 ### Example: Listen for Events
 

data/npm/css/animations.css

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+/*
+ * hotwire-nested-form - Animation Styles
+ *
+ * Include this stylesheet for smooth add/remove transitions.
+ * Enable with: data-nested-form-animation-value="fade" or "slide"
+ *
+ * Import: import "hotwire-nested-form/css/animations.css"
+ */
+
+/* Fade animation (default) */
+.nested-form-enter {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active {
+  opacity: 1;
+  transform: translateY(0);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active {
+  opacity: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-10px);
+  transition: opacity 300ms ease, transform 300ms ease;
+}
+
+/* Slide animation */
+.nested-form-enter[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+}
+
+.nested-form-enter-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 500px;
+  opacity: 1;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}
+
+.nested-form-exit-active[data-animation="slide"] {
+  max-height: 0;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  opacity: 0;
+  transition: max-height 300ms ease, opacity 300ms ease;
+}

data/npm/package.json

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 {
   "name": "hotwire-nested-form-stimulus",
-  "version": "1.3.0",
+  "version": "1.5.0",
   "description": "Stimulus controller for dynamic nested forms - works with Rails, React, Vue, or any Stimulus app",
   "main": "src/index.js",
   "module": "src/index.js",
   "type": "module",
   "files": [
-    "src"
+    "src",
+    "css"
   ],
   "keywords": [
     "stimulus",

data/npm/src/nested_form_controller.js

@@ -8,16 +8,24 @@ export default class extends Controller {
     limitBehavior: { type: String, default: "disable" },
     sortable: { type: Boolean, default: false },
     positionField: { type: String, default: "position" },
-    sortHandle: { type: String, default: "" }
+    sortHandle: { type: String, default: "" },
+    animation: { type: String, default: "" },
+    animationDuration: { type: Number, default: 300 },
+    a11y: { type: Boolean, default: true }
   }
 
   connect() {
+    if (this.a11yValue) this.setupAccessibility()
     this.updateButtonStates()
     if (this.sortableValue) this.initializeSortable()
   }
 
   disconnect() {
     if (this.sortableInstance) this.sortableInstance.destroy()
+    if (this.liveRegion) {
+      this.liveRegion.remove()
+      this.liveRegion = null
+    }
   }
 
   get currentCount() {
@@ -42,7 +50,7 @@ export default class extends Controller {
       return
     }
 
-    const template = event.currentTarget.dataset.template
+    const template = this.getTemplate(event.currentTarget)
     const insertion = event.currentTarget.dataset.insertion || "before"
     const targetSelector = event.currentTarget.dataset.target
     const count = parseInt(event.currentTarget.dataset.count) || 1
@@ -76,6 +84,14 @@ export default class extends Controller {
 
     if (beforeEvent.defaultPrevented) return
 
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateOut(wrapper, () => this.removeElement(wrapper))
+    } else {
+      this.removeElement(wrapper)
+    }
+  }
+
+  removeElement(wrapper) {
     const destroyInput = wrapper.querySelector("input[name*='_destroy']")
 
     if (destroyInput) {
@@ -87,11 +103,31 @@ export default class extends Controller {
 
     this.dispatch("after-remove", { detail: { wrapper } })
     this.updateButtonStates()
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      const addButton = this.element.querySelector('[data-action*="nested-form#add"]')
+      if (addButton) addButton.focus()
+      this.announce(`Item removed. ${this.currentCount} remaining.`)
+    }
+  }
+
+  getTemplate(trigger) {
+    // Prefer <template> tag (handles deep nesting), fall back to data-template
+    const placeholder = trigger.dataset.placeholder
+    if (placeholder) {
+      const templateEl = this.element.querySelector(
+        `template[data-nested-form-template="${placeholder}"]`
+      )
+      if (templateEl) return templateEl.innerHTML
+    }
+    return trigger.dataset.template
   }
 
   insertFields(template, insertion, targetSelector, trigger) {
     const newId = new Date().getTime()
-    const content = template.replace(/NEW_RECORD/g, newId)
+    const placeholder = trigger.dataset.placeholder || "NEW_RECORD"
+    const regex = new RegExp(placeholder, "g")
+    const content = template.replace(regex, newId)
 
     const fragment = document.createRange().createContextualFragment(content)
     const wrapper = fragment.firstElementChild
@@ -122,6 +158,144 @@ export default class extends Controller {
     }
 
     this.dispatch("after-add", { detail: { wrapper } })
+
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateIn(wrapper)
+    }
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      this.focusFirstInput(wrapper)
+      this.announce(`Item ${this.currentCount} added.`)
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Duplicate
+
+  duplicate(event) {
+    event.preventDefault()
+
+    if (this.currentCount >= this.maxValue) {
+      this.dispatch("limit-reached", {
+        detail: { limit: this.maxValue, current: this.currentCount }
+      })
+      return
+    }
+
+    const wrapper = event.currentTarget.closest(`.${this.wrapperClassValue}`)
+    if (!wrapper) return
+
+    const beforeEvent = this.dispatch("before-duplicate", {
+      cancelable: true,
+      detail: { source: wrapper }
+    })
+
+    if (beforeEvent.defaultPrevented) return
+
+    const clone = wrapper.cloneNode(true)
+    const newId = new Date().getTime()
+
+    this.prepareClone(clone, newId)
+
+    wrapper.after(clone)
+
+    this.dispatch("after-duplicate", {
+      detail: { source: wrapper, clone: clone }
+    })
+
+    if (this.animationValue) {
+      this.animateIn(clone)
+    }
+
+    this.updateButtonStates()
+    if (this.sortableValue) this.updatePositions()
+
+    if (this.a11yValue) {
+      this.focusFirstInput(clone)
+      this.announce("Item duplicated.")
+    }
+  }
+
+  prepareClone(clone, newId) {
+    const idInput = clone.querySelector("input[name*='[id]'][type='hidden']")
+    if (idInput) idInput.remove()
+
+    const destroyInput = clone.querySelector("input[name*='_destroy']")
+    if (destroyInput) destroyInput.value = "false"
+
+    const elements = clone.querySelectorAll("input, select, textarea, label")
+    elements.forEach(el => {
+      if (el.name) {
+        el.name = el.name.replace(/\[\d+\]/, `[${newId}]`)
+      }
+      if (el.id) {
+        el.id = el.id.replace(/_\d+_/, `_${newId}_`)
+      }
+      if (el.htmlFor) {
+        el.htmlFor = el.htmlFor.replace(/_\d+_/, `_${newId}_`)
+      }
+    })
+
+    clone.style.display = ""
+  }
+
+  // Accessibility
+
+  setupAccessibility() {
+    this.element.setAttribute("role", "group")
+    if (!this.element.getAttribute("aria-label")) {
+      this.element.setAttribute("aria-label", "Nested form fields")
+    }
+
+    this.liveRegion = document.createElement("div")
+    this.liveRegion.setAttribute("aria-live", "polite")
+    this.liveRegion.setAttribute("aria-atomic", "true")
+    this.liveRegion.classList.add("nested-form-live-region")
+    this.liveRegion.style.cssText = "position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0)"
+    this.element.appendChild(this.liveRegion)
+  }
+
+  announce(message) {
+    if (!this.liveRegion) return
+    this.liveRegion.textContent = ""
+    requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      this.liveRegion.textContent = message
+    })
+  }
+
+  focusFirstInput(wrapper) {
+    const focusable = wrapper.querySelector(
+      'input:not([type="hidden"]), select, textarea'
+    )
+    if (focusable) {
+      setTimeout(() => focusable.focus(), 50)
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Animations
+
+  animateIn(element) {
+    element.classList.add("nested-form-enter")
+    requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+      requestAnimationFrame(() => {
+        element.classList.add("nested-form-enter-active")
+        setTimeout(() => {
+          element.classList.remove("nested-form-enter", "nested-form-enter-active")
+        }, this.animationDurationValue)
+      })
+    })
+  }
+
+  animateOut(element, callback) {
+    element.classList.add("nested-form-exit-active")
+
+    const done = () => {
+      element.classList.remove("nested-form-exit-active")
+      callback()
+    }
+
+    element.addEventListener("transitionend", done, { once: true })
+    // Fallback if transitionend doesn't fire
+    setTimeout(done, this.animationDurationValue + 50)
   }
 
   updateButtonStates() {

metadata

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 --- !ruby/object:Gem::Specification
 name: hotwire_nested_form
 version: !ruby/object:Gem::Version
-  version: 1.3.0
+  version: 1.5.0
 platform: ruby
 authors:
 - BhumitBhadani
@@ -40,20 +40,24 @@ files:
 - LICENSE
 - README.md
 - Rakefile
+- app/assets/stylesheets/hotwire_nested_form/animations.css
 - gemfiles/rails_7.0.gemfile
 - gemfiles/rails_7.1.gemfile
 - gemfiles/rails_8.0.gemfile
 - lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/install_generator.rb
+- lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/templates/animations.css
 - lib/generators/hotwire_nested_form/templates/nested_form_controller.js
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/engine.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/form_builder_detector.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers/add_association.rb
+- lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers/duplicate_association.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/helpers/remove_association.rb
 - lib/hotwire_nested_form/version.rb
 - npm/.npmignore
 - npm/README.md
+- npm/css/animations.css
 - npm/package.json
 - npm/src/index.js
 - npm/src/nested_form_controller.js