session - Keeping information linked to a non signed in user un rails -

i have rails application devise. when user signed in (user_signed_in?), can access , retrieve information (eg current_user.last_search). way save information linked session, such last search user made.

now, have code this:

<% if user_signed_in %>   <%= current_user.last_search %> <% else %>   <%= get_last_seach # method last search when user not signed in %> 

it's verbose. , need in lot of places, , other variables last_search.

i instead:

<%= my_current_user.last_search %> 

where my_current_user devise current_user when user logged in, else it's user linked current session (via cookies) information available.

my_current_user behave that:

# user starts new session on website user_signed_in? # false my_current_user # object user my_current_user.last_search # ''  #user searches "pancakes" user_signed_in? # false my_current_user # object user my_current_user.last_search # 'pankakes'  #user logs in user_signed_in? # true my_current_user # object user my_current_user.last_search # 'pankakes'  #user logs off user_signed_in? # false my_current_user # object user my_current_user.last_search # 'pankakes' or '', don't mind here 

is aproach ? suggest ? if idea, how implement ?

you can create helper method in application helper this:

def last_search   user_signed_in? ? current_user.last_search : session[:last_search] end 

and call controllers.

unless need remember user's last search after logging out , logging in again, may keep search in session users (regardless logged in or not).