Today I learned- Ruby CLI Applications

Today, I embarked on a journey into the world of Ruby CLI (Command Line Interface) applications—a realm where productivity meets simplicity. Join me as I explore the fundamentals of building CLI tools in Ruby and uncover the potential they hold for developers of all levels.

Step 1: Discovering Ruby CLI Applications
Ruby CLI applications are like hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. With Ruby's expressive syntax and powerful libraries, crafting CLI tools becomes a joyous endeavor. These applications offer a seamless way to interact with users through the command line, executing tasks swiftly and efficiently.

Step 2: Building My First CLI Application
I dove right into the action by creating my very own Ruby CLI application. Starting with a simple structure—a single Ruby file—I defined my application logic within a class and unleashed my creativity.

# cli.rb

class MyApp
  def run
    puts "Welcome to My CLI App!"
    puts "Enter your name:"
    name = gets.chomp
    puts "Hello, #{name}! How can I assist you today?"
    # Add more functionality here
  end
end

# Run the app
ruby cli.rb

Step 3: Testing My Application
I ensured the reliability and robustness of my CLI application with testing. Using tools like MiniTest, writing tests became a breeze. I verified that my application behaved as expected under various scenarios, paving the way for seamless user experiences.

# tests/cli_test.rb

require 'minitest/autorun'
require_relative '../cli'

class MyAppTest < Minitest::Test
  def setup
    @app = MyApp.new
  end

  def test_welcome_message
    assert_output(/Welcome to My CLI App!/) { @app.run }
  end

  # Add more tests here
end

Step 4: Expanding My Horizons
Once I dipped my toes into the waters of Ruby CLI applications, the possibilities were endless. I considered adding features such as command-line argument parsing, integration with external APIs, or advanced error handling. Letting my imagination run wild, I unlocked the full potential of CLI development in Ruby.

Conclusion
Today, I embarked on an exciting journey into the realm of Ruby CLI applications. Armed with the knowledge of building, testing, and expanding CLI tools, I'm well-equipped to navigate the vast landscape of software development. As I continue to explore, I remember that every line of code is an opportunity for growth and learning.

Happy coding!

Comments

[Oinak]

Just in case you have not stumbled upon it, ruby-doc.org/3.3.0/stdlibs/optpars... can do a lot of heavy lifting in supporting unix style command options for your CLI scripts.