autorequire_rails

autorequire_rails is a Rails engine that automatically requires all ruby files in lib/autorequire when a Rails app boots.

Why is this useful? Rails has multiple strategies for loading code and there are scenarios that can cause Rails to ignore files in lib. One example where this frequently arises is when trying to monkey patch a core ruby class. Many people create a file like lib/string.rb and expect Rails to autoload or eagerload it. However, out of the box, Rails isn't configured to reach into lib so the code won't get loaded. On top of that, even if Rails were configured to look in lib, it still wouldn't work. Constants, like the String constant, are always defined so Rails never thinks it needs to find additional files to load.

To solve these kinds of problems, you typically have to explicitly require files on your own. autorequire_rails saves you the trouble and establishes a pattern.

Releases are versioned using SemVer 2.0.0 with the following caveats:

1. Support for a Ruby version, that reaches EOL, is removed in a major or minor release.
2. Support for a Ruby on Rails version, that reaches EOL, is removed in a major or minor release.

Ruby 3.1+

Rails 7.1+

Add this line to your Rails application's Gemfile:

gem 'autorequire_rails'

And then execute:

$ bundle

Add any file with a .rb extension to the lib/autorequire folder (or a sub folder). Rails will automatically load it during the boot process.

You can use any folder structure you like, but it is recommended to put ruby core classes in lib/autorequire/core_ext and extensions to gems in a folder like lib/autorequire/gem_ext/<gem name here>.

Ultimately, lib/autorequire is useful for adding code to constants that are already defined. As a result, it's ideal for changes to 3rd party libraries and ruby core classes/modules. It can also be used to hold reusable code that can be shared between applications.

If you're defining application specific custom classes and modules, consider using a sub folder inside app. If you're defining a new constant (and the file name follow proper Rails naming rules), Rails will happily discover it when needed. app/lib is a sensible place to hold these kind of classes and modules.

Bug reports and pull requests are welcome on the autorequire_rails issues page.