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Basics

Ruby Modules

Using Ruby Modules

Ruby modules use module for namespacing and mixins.

Introduction to Ruby Modules

Ruby modules are a powerful feature used for organizing code and adding functionality through namespacing and mixins. Modules allow developers to group related methods, constants, and classes together. Unlike classes, modules cannot be instantiated or subclassed, but they can be included in classes to share functionality.

Defining a Module

To define a module in Ruby, use the module keyword followed by the module name. By convention, module names are written in CamelCase. Here's a simple example:

Using Modules for Namespacing

Modules can be used to create namespaces, which help avoid name clashes in larger projects. For instance, you might have two classes with the same name in different contexts. Namespacing allows you to differentiate them:

Mixins with Modules

Modules in Ruby are often used as mixins to add shared functionality to classes. By including a module, a class can inherit the module's methods, providing a way to share code across multiple classes without using inheritance. Here's how to use a module as a mixin:

Extending a Class with Modules

Besides including modules, you can also extend classes with modules, which adds the module's methods as class methods. This is useful for adding functionality to the class level:

Conclusion

Ruby modules provide a flexible way to organize code and share functionality. By using modules for namespacing and mixins, developers can maintain clean, DRY code. Understanding modules is crucial for effective Ruby programming and lays the foundation for more advanced concepts like Gems.

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