The module and class below demonstrate how to use instance methods and class methods from "module mixins". The thing to remember is scope. For instance, to use class methods within instance methods you need to call them from the class itself. This is accomplished something like this "self.class.class_method_you_want_to_call". The example below should make it more clear. It would be natural to assume using "self.method_name" within your module mixin, because after all, instance methods just work when included this way. However, you need to take an extra step when you want to "extend" the behavior of a class.

To extend a class with a mixin you use the method "self.included(base)". This method takes the parent class "base" as an argument. In the method body you use base.extend to attach class methods. Wrapping up class methods in a module is the easiest way to do it.

module Greeting
  # Instance Methods
  # Usage Martian.new.hello_world
  def hello_world
    "Martian says: Hello " + self.class.planet+"!"
  end
Class Methods
Usage: Martian.planet
def self.included(base)
base.extend ClassMethods
end
module ClassMethods
def planet
"world"
end
end
end
class Martian
include Greeting
def self.location
"Martian lives on "+self.planet
end
end
p Martian.new.hello_world
p Martian.location