Getter & Setter

getters_and_setters.md

#Getters & Setters

attr reader :variable1, :variable2, :variable3  
attr_writer :variable1, :variable2, :variable3  
attr_accessor :variable1, :variable2, :variable3

class Person  
  attr_reader :name  
  attr_writer :name  
  def initialize(name)  
    @name = name  
  end  
end

vs.

def name
  @name
end

def name=(value)
  @name = value
end

You're allowed to put an = sign in a method name.
That's just a Ruby convention saying, "hey, this method sets a value!"