Domain availability check

domain_check.rb

# Check to see if a domain is available (unregistered)
def available?(domain_name)
  # Use Net::DNS library via ruby gems
  require 'rubygems'
  require 'net/dns/resolver'
  res = Net::DNS::Resolver.new

  # Use Google public DNS for speed
  res.nameservers = ["8.8.8.8","8.8.4.4"]
  res.udp_timeout=(60)
  packet = res.search(domain_name, Net::DNS::NS)

  # Check for domains packets with Answers
  # This means a domain returned a DNS record (registered)
  if(packet.header.anCount > 0)
    return false
  else
    return true
  end
end