method_missing

method_missing

method_missing is a special method you can override on a class to intercept calls to methods that don't actually exist, letting you handle them dynamically instead of raising a NoMethodError. It's a powerful metaprogramming tool used by libraries to build flexible, dynamic APIs. It should be used carefully, since it can make code harder to understand and debug if overused.

Warning: Overriding method_missing without also overriding respond_to_missing? can make objects behave inconsistently with introspection tools like respond_to?.

Example: method_missing

class DynamicGreeter
  def method_missing(name, *args)
    if name.to_s.start_with?("greet_")
      language = name.to_s.sub("greet_", "")
      puts "Hello in #{language}!"
    else
      super
    end
  end
end

greeter = DynamicGreeter.new
greeter.greet_spanish
greeter.greet_french