Level Up - Dev: How to write a Ruby program in Windows using Notepad++

Not all programs need to have a fancy IDE. If there’s a quick script that you want to run or try, then using a simplier Notepad++ can easily get the job done. And, it already includes syntax highlighting for Ruby.

Prerequisites:

• Install Notepad++
• Install Ruby (and add to path)

Let’s get started:

1. Open Notepad++

2. Add custom menu option to run the Ruby code:

   1. On the menu bar, click Run->”Run…”
   2. On the popup enter the command: cmd /K ruby "$(FULL_CURRENT_PATH)"
   3. Click “Save…”
   4. Enter a name for the custom run command, like “Run Ruby Program”
   5. Click “OK”

3. Time to test. Add the following program to a new file:

    def factorial(n)
      if n == 1
        1
      else
        n * factorial(n - 1)
      end
    end
    puts factorial(5)
   

4. Save the file, then click Run->”Run Ruby Program”. You should see the output of the Ruby program in a command prompt.

Congrats, you can now be more productive with the great Notepad++!