Bootstrap is an exceptional framework, known for simplifying front-end development. However, even the simplest components can sometimes require more HTML than we would like. If you’ve ever typed out the code for a dismissible alert, you know it can be a bit cumbersome. Enter Bh – a collection of Ruby helpers that makes using Bootstrap 3 components a breeze. This blog post will guide you through the quick steps to get started with Bh, troubleshoot common issues, and explore the benefits of this handy tool.
What is Bh?
Bh is a set of Ruby helpers designed to streamline the integration of Bootstrap 3 components into your HTML views. The great thing about Bh is that it allows you to create complex UI components with minimal boilerplate code.
Installing Bh
Getting Bh into your project is straightforward. It’s compatible with Rails 3.2, Rails 4, Padrino, and Middleman. Follow these easy steps:
- Add
gem 'bh', '~> 1.3'to your Gemfile. - For Middleman users: Open
config.rband addactivate :bh. - For Padrino users: Open
app.rband addregister Bh.
And that’s it! You are now equipped to use any Bh helper in your views.
Using Bh Helpers
With Bh, creating components is as easy as pie. For instance, consider the traditional way of creating a dismissible alert:
<div class="alert alert-info alert-dismissible" role="alert">
<button type="button" class="close" data-dismiss="alert">
<span aria-hidden="true">×</span>
<span class="sr-only">Close</span>
</button>
You accepted the Terms of service.
</div>
Now imagine trying to cook a complex dish like a gourmet meal—you need all the right ingredients and precise cooking methods. Bh reduces that complexity dramatically. In one line of code, you can accomplish the same task:
<%= alert_box "You accepted the Terms of service.", dismissible: true %>
Bh offers several other handy helpers such as bootstrap_css, button, and navbar, allowing you to craft a beautiful UI with much less hassle.
Trying Out Bh in Your Browser
If you want to see Bh in action, you can run sample applications provided in the examples folder:
- For Rails:
- Download the source code
- Navigate to
examples/rails - Run
bundle install - Start the server with
bundle exec rails server - Open http://0.0.0.0:3000 in your browser.
- For Middleman:
- Download the source code
- Navigate to
examples/middleman - Run
bundle install - Start Middleman with
bundle exec middleman - Access it at http://0.0.0.0:4567.
- For Padrino:
- Download the source code
- Navigate to
examples/padrino - Run
bundle install - Start Padrino with
bundle padrino start - Visit http://0.0.0.0:3000.
Troubleshooting Tips
While using Bh is generally smooth, you may encounter some hurdles. Here are some quick troubleshooting ideas:
- If Bh helpers aren’t recognized, double-check that you have included the gem correctly in your Gemfile and restarted your server.
- Ensure that you are using compatible versions of Ruby and Rails as specified in the Bh documentation.
- If styles don’t appear as expected, confirm you have included the necessary Bootstrap CSS and JS links in your layout files.
For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.
Keep Your Bh Updated
Bh follows Semantic Versioning, allowing you to manage updates smoothly. When a new version comes out, refer to the CHANGELOG for specific enhancements and instructions on upgrades.
Conclusion
At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

