Software Engineers Handbook/Language Dictionary/Ruby

Ruby edit

The wikipedia entry is here.

Type edit

Ruby is a full objected-oriented language.

Execution Entry Point edit

<Describe how/where the program is started i.e. C++ main()>

General Syntax edit

<Try to give a high level description of the contents of a typical line of code. An assignment example may be appropriate such as

a = b;

>

Comments edit

Pound signs (#) designate comments in Ruby

# this is an inline comment.  Everything after the # is a comment.

Variable Declarations edit

Ruby does not require explicit variable declarations. The following is perfectly valid Ruby code

x = 5

(x:5)

z = x+3

(z:8)

string = 'a string'

(string:'a string')

longstring = string+string

(longstring:'a stringa string')

Yet there are times when a declaration of type is necessary. In the following operation the array named 'objects' must be defined as an array so it can use the << method of adding elements to the array

objects = []
objects << "my 1st array elements"
objects << "my 2nd array element"
objects << 52+3

(objects: ["my 1st array element", "my 2nd array element", 55])

Method Declaration/Implementation edit

<Describe how methods/functions/procedures are declared and implemented.>

Scope edit

<Describe how scope is defined.>

Conditional Statements edit

<Describe the conditional statements in text and present

code examples. 

(put a space in the front of the line to format as code)>

Looping Statements edit

<Describe looping statements in English and present code examples.>

Output Statements edit

<Describe how to output Hello world! including the new-line with or without a carriage return.>

Error Handling/Recovery edit

<Describe error handling and recovery. Give examples as appropriate.>

Containers edit

<List containers or references to lists of containers available natively for this language. List ways to incorporate containers if they are not native to the language.>

Algorithms edit

<List algorithms or references to lists of algorithms available natively for this language. List ways to incorporate algorithms if they are not native to the language. Or, if not available, describe that.>

Garbage collection edit

<Describe whether the garbage collection is automatic or manual.>

Physical Structure edit

<Describe how the files, libararies, and parts are typically divided and arranged.>

Tips edit

<Please include tips that make it easier to switch to this language from another language.>

Web References edit

<List additional references on the web. Please include for what level reader the references are appropriate. (beginner/intermediate/advanced)>

Books and Articles edit

<List additional books and articles that may be helpful. Please include for what level reader the references are appropriate. (beginner/intermediate/advanced)>