From: Nicholas Wieland <nicholas.wieland@...>
Date: 2008-12-31T08:50:24+09:00
Subject: Re: Ruby Noobie needs some help

Il giorno 30/dic/08, alle ore 21:49, r ha scritto:

> Hello,
> I am coming from the python world and trying to learn ruby. Why does
> this throw an error?
>
> #testscript.rb
> cams = ['cam1', 'cam2', 'cam3']
> def function(s)
>    puts s
>    for x in cams
>        print x
>    end
> end
> test()
>
> In python this is perfectly valid, must i write a class for
> everything? Also how does ruby handle modules compared to python? In
> python i can do "import testscript" and access the function and array
> as...
> py> testscript.function('hello')
> py> testscript.cams[0]

Scoping in Python is different.
You're trying to translate python 1:1, and you really shouldn't.
If you need a function (aka a method of the Kernel class), declare  
stuff inside your method, or use a constant or class variable (uh,  
better you declare it inside the method, unless it's a throw-away  
script).
About modules, they can act as simple namespaces, like  
MODULE::something, but i suggest you look at mixins. In Python mixins  
can be dangerous, I know. Now forget everything, in Ruby it's the  
opposite.
Python permits a fully structural approach, while Ruby just makes it  
possible but clearly states that it's not his cup of tea.
Have fun with Ruby.

   ngw