word_sort.rb

# find all words in file and sort them by appearance count
def print_file(filename = "test.rb")
  File.open(filename, "r") do |f|
    word_hash = {} # same as Hash.new
  
    while(not f.eof)
      line = f.readline
      line.split(/\s+/).each do |word|
        if(word_hash[word])
          word_hash[word] += 1
        else
          word_hash[word] = 1 
        end
      end
    end
  
    sorted_word_hash = word_hash.sort_by{|key,value| value}
  
    # print out sorted words with each word's counter value
    puts "words in file sorted by appearance counter:"
    
    # word = key, count = value
    sorted_word_hash.select{|word,count| not word.gsub(" ", "").empty?}.each do |word, count| 
      puts "#{count}: #{word}"
    end
  end
end