In plain Ruby CGI, generate an anchor with CGI# a (written cgi.a); in a Rails view, use link_to. Keep three different jobs separate: creating the anchor, encoding URL data, and escaping HTML text.
Choose the link helper for your Ruby app
| Where you are writing | Use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Ruby CGI | cgi.a(href) { body } |
Creates an anchor element string. The Ruby 3.2 CGI HTML-extension reference documents a URL string or an attribute hash for the argument: CGI::HtmlExtension#a. |
| Rails view | link_to(text, url) |
Creates an anchor using a URL string, URL options, or a Rails route helper: Rails Action View link_to. |
Make an anchor with Ruby CGI
Require cgi, instantiate CGI, and call a with the destination. The documented CGI HTML extension example uses the HTML5 option:
require "cgi"
cgi = CGI.new("html5")
puts cgi.a("https://example.com/") { "Example" }The block supplies the link body. The helper can also take an attribute hash instead of a URL string, as described in the Ruby 3.2 CGI reference.
Use Rails link_to in a view
In Rails, pass link text and a path helper or URL options to link_to. For example:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
<%= link_to "Ruby search", search_path(query: "ruby links") %>Here, search_path is a route helper and the query is supplied as an option rather than assembled into an HTML string. Rails documents that link_to accepts link text plus a URL or URL options and returns an anchor element in its Action View URL helper reference.
Encode URL data for the right context
Encoding a value and generating an anchor are separate operations. Pick an encoder based on whether the value is form data or a URI component; the Ruby CGI reference documents both methods and their distinct behavior at CGI class: escape methods.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Value’s purpose | Method | Space behavior | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Form-style value (application/x-www-form-urlencoded) |
CGI.escape |
Space becomes +. |
CGI.escape("ruby links") returns ruby+links. |
| URI component | CGI.escapeURIComponent |
Space becomes %20; method follows RFC 3986 component encoding. |
CGI.escapeURIComponent("ruby links") returns ruby%20links. |
require "cgi"
form_value = CGI.escape("ruby links")
component = CGI.escapeURIComponent("ruby links")These methods encode a value; they do not create an anchor, nor should either be treated as a universal substitute for constructing a URL. The examples show the documented distinction without assuming how a particular application builds complete URLs.
Escape HTML text separately
Text placed in generated markup has an HTML context. URL encoding does not make arbitrary text safe as HTML. Ruby’s CGI.escapeHTML escapes characters including apostrophe, ampersand, quotation mark, less-than, and greater-than symbols, as documented in the CGI reference.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
require "cgi"
label = CGI.escapeHTML(untrusted_label)
puts cgi.a("https://example.com/") { label }Escape untrusted body text before interpolating it into generated markup. Keep the operation appropriate to the output context: HTML escaping and URL-component encoding solve different problems.
Use a button for a data-changing Rails action
An ordinary destination belongs in an anchor created by link_to. For an action that changes data, Rails documents button_to as the safer choice because it submits a form button and avoids accidental triggering by search bots or accelerators:
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
<%= button_to "Delete", record_path(@record), method: :delete %>See the Rails Action View button_to reference for the helper’s documented behavior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your Ruby and Rails documentation version
The CGI anchor helper cited here is documented in Ruby 3.2, while the CGI escape-method reference is the current master documentation; confirm availability and behavior against the Ruby version your application targets. The Rails helper references are for Rails 8.1.4. Avoid copying URL-building recipes from older material without checking the APIs for your version; the older Programming Ruby web chapter is historical background, not current API guidance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
