Eloquent Ruby

pt. 1. The Basics

Write code that looks like Ruby

Choose the right control structure

Take advantage of Ruby's smart collections

Take advantage of Ruby's smart strings

Find the right string with regular expressions

Use symbols to stand for something

Treat everything like an object-because everything is

Embrace dynamic typing

Write specs!

pt. 2. Classes, Modules, and Blocks

Construct your classes from short, focused methods

Define operators respectfully

Create classes that understand equality

Get the behavior you need with Singleton and Class methods

Use class instance variables

Use modules as name spaces

Use modules as mixins

Use blocks to iterate

Execute around with a block

Save blocks to execute later

pt. 3. Metaprogramming

Use hooks to keep your program informed

Use method_missing for flexible error handling

Use method_missing for delegation

Use method_missing to build flexible APIs

Update existing classes with Monkey Patching

Create self-modifying classes

Create classes that modify their subclasses

pt. 4. Pulling it all Together

Invent internal DSLs

Build external DSLs for flexible syntax

Package your programs as gems

Know your Ruby implementation

Keep an open mind to go with those open classes

Appendix: Going further