# Lost in "=", forest searching for methods of abstraction (bad habits die hard) **URL:** \ **Category:** Ruby\ **Created:** [February 10, 2008, 5:55pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695 "2008-02-10T17:55:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2008, 5:55pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/1 "2008-02-10T17:55:33Z")
Hello, I have done few years of programming in Clipper and few more in MS Access (experience not worth repeating). Since then I have being using ruby (sporadically and not for big projects), but with a bad style (I recognised this, when trying to write something bigger). When I see projects like rspec, sequel and ramaze, I am amazed what is possible with ruby. The question is, what concepts are necessary to grasp to be able to create something like that (in ruby), and, is there a good read (preferably on-line) about them? Vlad ---
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2008, 6:04pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/2 "2008-02-10T18:04:08Z")
Vladimir K. wrote: > The question is, what concepts are necessary to grasp to be able to > create something like that (in ruby), and, is there a good read > (preferably on-line) about them? > > Vlad Some of the most interesting things about projects like rspec are their DSL features. This is: they manipulate the ruby language itself into something more specific to the domain for which they are writing their application. Creating effective DSLs is probably one of the most complicated processes in ruby and touches on everything from ruby’s open classes to meta-programming to special ruby methods (method missing and send). I’d recommend starting from the ground up with a couple of great books: why’s poignant guide to ruby, programming ruby (first edition free online). If you want to throw down some cash I’m really liking Hal Fulton’s The Ruby Way. Also, check out the ruby blogs out there! Tons of good info on the more “hardcore” aspects of ruby. - Drew ---
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/3 "2008-02-10T18:19:06Z")
> Vladimir K. wrote: > > > The question is, what concepts are necessary to grasp to be able to > > create something like that (in ruby), and, is there a good read > > (preferably on-line) about them? > > > > Vlad Try writing Ruby code to look like english. If you focus on making things look nice like that, most of it will fall into place. You can do your project in english, but the hard part is doing it in Ruby. So why not make Ruby do your project in english! Ari --------------------------------------------| If you’re not living on the edge, then you’re just wasting space. ---
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2008, 1:50pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/4 "2008-02-11T13:50:19Z")
2008/2/10, Vladimir K. [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid): > Since then I have being using ruby (sporadically and not for big > projects), but with a bad style (I recognised this, when trying to > write something bigger). > > When I see projects like rspec, sequel and ramaze, I am amazed what is > possible with ruby. > > The question is, what concepts are necessary to grasp to be able to > create something like that (in ruby), and, is there a good read > (preferably on-line) about them? There are some fundamental principles in software engineering that apply regardless of programming language chosen: basically you have to carefully think about how you distribute functionality across different programming artifacts (methods, functions, classes and the like). In other words, complex systems are built by divide and conquer and abstraction. There are different methodologies (top down, bottom up, various OO approaches) but they all try to come up with a distribution of functionality that avoids redundancies (ideally no two methods / classes that do the same) and keeps things modular (so you can easier reuse). Off the top of my head I could not recommend a book or other resource that will teach this. I tend to believe that, to a good extend, this is learned from experience. Maybe looking into OO patterns can help, because they deal exactly with this question “how do I create my classes and make them collaborate?”: > **[Software design pattern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_pattern_%28computer_science%29)** > > In software engineering, a software design pattern is a general, reusable solution to a commonly occurring problem within a given context in software design. It is not a finished design that can be transformed directly into source or machine code. Rather, it is a description or template for how to solve a problem that can be used in many different situations. Design patterns are formalized best practices that the programmer can use to solve common problems when designing an application or system.... Kind regards robert ---
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2008, 8:35pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/5 "2008-02-13T20:35:43Z")
On 11.02.2008 13:49, Robert K. wrote: > > (preferably on-line) about them? > > can easier reuse). > > Off the top of my head I could not recommend a book or other resource > that will teach this. I found one which seems to cover what I meant: > **[Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - 2nd Edition (MIT Electrical...](https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Interpretation-Computer-Programs-Engineering/dp/0262510871)** > > Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - 2nd Edition (MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) \[Abelson, Harold, Sussman, Gerald Jay, Sussman, Julie\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. Structure and Interpretation... Kind regards robert ---
**Author:** ![prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/71e660/32.png) [@prhlava](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/prhlava)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2008, 2:50am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/lost-in-forest-searching-for-methods-of-abstraction-bad-habits-die-hard/128695/6 "2008-02-14T02:50:46Z")
On Feb 13, 2008 11:34 AM, Robert K. [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) wrote: > > > create something like that (in ruby), and, is there a good read > > > methods / classes that do the same) and keeps things modular (so you > > > can easier reuse). > > > > Off the top of my head I could not recommend a book or other resource > > that will teach this. > > I found one which seems to cover what I meant: > > [http://www.amazon.com/Structure-Interpretation-Computer-Programs-Engineering/dp/0262510871/](http://www.amazon.com/Structure-Interpretation-Computer-Programs-Engineering/dp/0262510871/) The full text of SICP is available for free on the Web. Not as convenient in some ways as dead trees, but for anyone interested reading the thread, its easier to poke around and see if it meets your needs: [http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html](http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/full-text/book/book.html)