Checking for private beta in a Rails app

application.rb

# Normal app setup

module AppName
  class Application < Rails::Application
    # Other stuff unnecessary to this

    # Here's the money-maker
    config.release_status = ENV['RELEASE_STATUS'].to_sym || :beta
  end
end

gistfile1.sh

$ cucumber —-tags @private_beta

routes.rb

AppName::Application.routes.draw do
  if AppName::Application.config.release_status == :beta
    match '/signup', :to => 'home#private_beta', :as => 'signup'
  else
    match '/signup', :to => 'users#new', :as => 'signup'
  end
end

signup_steps.rb

When /^I sign up on the site$/ do
  if AppName::Application.config.release_status == :beta
    User.create! # or Factory :user or however you want to create them
  else
    visit signup_path
    # Do normal sign-up stuff
  end
end

user_signup.feature

Feature: User signs up
  @private_beta
  Scenario: User is in the private beta
    Given a user's name is on the private beta list
    When the user visits the site
    Then he should be able to sign in

  @public_release
  Scenario: User signs up on the site
    # Do your normal thing here