`if __name__ == '__main__'` equivalent in Ruby
Question: I am new to Ruby. I'm looking to import functions from a module that contains
a tool I want to continue using separately. In Python I would simply do this:

    
    
    def a():
        ...
    def b():
        ...
    if __name__ == '__main__':
        a()
        b()
    

This allows me to run the program or import it as a module to use `a()` and/or
`b()` separately. What's the equivalent paradigm in Ruby?


Answer: From the Ruby I've seen out in the wild (granted, not a ton), this is not a
standard Ruby design pattern. Modules and scripts are supposed to stay
separate, so I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't really a good, clean way
of doing this.

**EDIT:** [Found it.](http://gimbo.org.uk/blog/2006/04/18/scripts-in-ruby-a-
la-pythons-__name__-__main__-idiom/)

    
    
    if __FILE__ == $0
        foo()
        bar()
    end
    

But it's definitely not common.

