From: David Vallner <david@...>
Date: 2006-08-16T06:52:24+09:00
Subject: Re: goto function?

On Tue, 15 Aug 2006 23:05:10 +0200, fabsy <fabbyfabs@gmail.com> wrote:
> I want the script to start over again.. for example..
> When the user made an input and pressed return I want the script to
> "restart" or jump to the beginning..
>

Let me introduce you to my good friend: structured programming. I'm sure  
you'll get along marvelous once you get to know each other.

The BASIC construct of "goto" is rightfully considered harmful for  
programs above a certain complexity. It's not present in Ruby in any  
direct way that would let you jump around a program's structure  
arbitrarily. (Actually, that's a lie, but I'll hold the continuations for  
the sake of simplicity.)

If you want a script to start over, the easiest way is to put all the  
logic of the script into a function / procedure / whatever, and repeatedly  
call that one in a loop like Darren and Robert indicated.

If you want the script to react to user input, you could for example do:

def do_stuff_with_file(r_file)
	# Most of your original code goes here.
end

should_print_file = true
while should_print_file

	# Better way to avoid file not found errors - you're creating a completely
	# useless temporary file as a workaround.	
	File.open('file') { | r_file | do_stuff_with_file(r_file) } if  
File.exist? ('file')

	puts('Print file again? [y/n]')
	should_print_file = (gets[0] == 'y') # Flaky bit, should be more  
forgiving.

end

David Vallner