How to create optional references/embeds in mongoid?

@deron 

In Mongoid, you can set up optional references or embeds by using the optional: true option in the relationship definition. This will allow the referenced or embedded document to be nil or empty, instead of requiring a valid reference or embedded document.

Here's an example of how to create an optional reference in Mongoid:

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class Author
  include Mongoid::Document
  has_many :books
end

class Book
  include Mongoid::Document
  belongs_to :author, optional: true
end

In this example, the Book model has an optional reference to the Author model. This means that a Book document can exist without being associated with an Author document.

Similarly, if you want to create an optional embed in Mongoid, you can use the same optional: true option:

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class Post
  include Mongoid::Document
  embeds_one :comment, class_name: 'Comment', optional: true
end

class Comment
  include Mongoid::Document
  embedded_in :post
end

In this example, the Post model has an optional embedded document of type Comment. This means that a Post document can exist without having a Comment embedded document.

By setting the optional: true option in the relationship definition, you can create optional references or embeds in Mongoid, allowing for flexibility in your data structure.