delete_all vs destroy_all?

You are right. If you want to delete the User and all associated objects -> destroy_all
However, if you just want to delete the User without suppressing all associated objects -> delete_all

According to this post : Rails :dependent => :destroy VS :dependent => :delete_all

• destroy / destroy_all: The associated objects are destroyed alongside this object by calling their destroy method
• delete / delete_all: All associated objects are destroyed immediately without calling their :destroy method