gistfile1.txt

  def remote_file_exists?(url)
      uri = URI.parse(url)
      http = Net::HTTP.new(uri.host, uri.port)
      
      http = Net::HTTP.new(uri.host, uri.port)
 
      if uri.scheme == 'https'
        http.use_ssl = true
        http.verify_mode = OpenSSL::SSL::VERIFY_PEER
      end
      
      response = http.head(uri.request_uri)

      case response
      when Net::HTTPSuccess     then return true
      when Net::HTTPRedirection then return false
      end
    rescue => e
      return false
  end