Forum: Ruby Why class returns `null` but the definition not when their description ended in IRB?

The below class description returns its last evaluated expression :

>> class A
>> 1+7
>> 2+4
>> end
=> 6

To return `6` which method the expression generally called?

But why the definition always `nil` ?

>> def D
>> 3+5
>> end
=> nil

an class definition is evaluated when the code reads it,
an method definition is NOT evaluated while reading,
thats why it returns nil

Because that's how it is implemented.


2013/3/1 Kumar R. <lists@ruby-forum.com>

To be more explicit. The class is evaluated at definition, a method is
evaluated when it is run.


2013/3/1 Matt Mongeau <halogenandtoast@gmail.com>

When a class or module is defined, the code inside is evaluated and the
return value of the last expression is returned. This is because you 
could
define class level attributes or constants or execute arbitrary code
relevant to the class or to prepare it.

When a method is defined as in your second example, the code inside is 
only
executed when the method is run. You could call the D() method to return 
8
as expected.

Is that helpful?

Oops! Right on Matt -- beat me to it.

Thanks to all you people.. :) BTW i put the subject wrongly. :( forgive 
me for that.