active_record_caching.rb

# for some reason active record doesn't include a simple way to serialize to
# cache.  this simple trick will take you far
#
# usage: 
# 
#   user = User.find(id)
#
#   key = "user-#{ user.id }"
#
#   Rails.cache.write(key, user.to_cache)
#
#   attributes = Rails.cache.read(key)
#
#   user = User.from_cache(attributes)
#

  class ActiveRecord::Base
    def self.from_cache(attributes = {})
      instantiate(attributes)
    end

    def to_cache
      attributes
    end
  end