Question

how can i write to a mysql table with ruby ? run SQL. for example, if the ruby script finishes, write to mysql table saying its done and how can i generate an absolutely unique ID ? kinda like youtube’s id.

Answer 1

For the unique ID, it’s pretty easy. You should take a look at mysql’s auto increment.

For mysql with Ruby, you need to use the mysql gem.
Using it is also pretty easy. You could do something like the following :

require "mysql"

begin
    # connect to the MySQL server
    dbh = Mysql.real_connect("localhost", "root", "password", "database")

    dbh.query("INSERT INTO database (field) VALUES ('value')")
rescue Mysql::Error => e
    p "Error code: #{e.errno}"
    p "Error message: #{e.error}"
    p "Error SQLSTATE: #{e.sqlstate}" if e.respond_to?("sqlstate")
ensure
    # disconnect from server
    dbh.close if dbh
end

And if you’re planning to build something consequent, you might also be interested in using Active Record.