Ruby: initialize() vs class body?

Question

In Ruby, what is the difference between putting code in an initialize() method rather than directly in the class body? Both appear to be executed when calling

Answer 1

Well, initialize gets called by new, whereas the class body gets evaluated on class definition/loading.

Additionally, try setting an instance variable in the class body or in initialize. You'll notice the latter will belong to the created object, whereas the first will belong to the class instance (hence the name class instance variable).