Magical API Wrapping in Ruby: Explore the Charm of method_missing and OpenStruct

sandip paridasandip parida
2 min read

Ah, the world of Ruby programming! It's a place where code transforms into magic spells. Today, let's uncover a spellbinding technique: weaving together APIs and Ruby classes using the delightful method_missing and OpenStruct.

Setting the Stage:

Imagine you're working with an API, and you want to turn its complexities into pure Ruby magic. Enter the 'FakeUser' class—a Ruby wizardry crafted with method_missing and OpenStruct.

require 'json'
require 'net/http'

class FakeUser
  BASE_URL = 'https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/'.freeze

  # Here's where the magic begins!
  def method_missing(method_name, *args, &block)
    endpoint = method_name.to_s

    if args.empty?
      fetch_data(endpoint)
    else
      index = args.first
      data = fetch_data("#{endpoint}/#{index}")
      wrap_data(data)
    end
  end

  private

  # A spell to fetch data from API endpoints
  def fetch_data(endpoint)
    response = Net::HTTP.get(URI("#{BASE_URL}#{endpoint}"))
    JSON.parse(response)
  rescue StandardError => e
    puts "Error fetching #{endpoint}: #{e.message}"
    nil
  end

  # Enchanting the fetched data using OpenStruct
  def wrap_data(data)
    OpenStruct.new(data)
  end
end

# Behold! Witness the magic in action:
api = FakeUser.new
todo = api.todos(2) # Fetches the second todo
puts todo.userId # Accessing the userId attribute of the fetched todo

Embracing the Enchantment:

  • method_missing: Acts as our magical wand, transforming method calls into API queries.

  • OpenStruct: Our trusty spellbook, wrapping API data into a delightful Ruby object.

Experience the Magic:

With this enchanting setup, interacting with the API feels like casting spells:

api = FakeUser.new
todo = api.todos(2) # Fetches the second todo
puts todo.userId # Accessing the userId attribute of the fetched todo

Benefits of this Magical Fusion:

  • Simplified Integration: Turn complex APIs into friendly Ruby methods.

  • Dynamic Flexibility: Wave your wand to fetch specific data from various API endpoints.

  • Error Handling: The magic shield that gracefully handles API errors within the Ruby class.

Join us on this magical journey, where code and creativity intertwine! Let's bring the wonder of APIs into the enchanting world of Ruby.

Tags: #RubyMagic #APIIntegration #FriendlyCoding #EnchantingDevelopment #CodingSpellcraft

0
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from sandip parida directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

Written by

sandip parida
sandip parida

Hi there! 👋 I'm sandip parida, a passionate fullstack software developer who loves to learn and work with new technologies. #ruby #rails #nodejs #aiapps #openai #ai #iot