markov_names.rb

# Markov chain name generator
# Author: Michael Stroud
# Generates a list of 100 names using Markov chains based on a source list of
# real names. The real names list should be in a file called "first_names.rb"
# in the same folder as this script.
#
# No warranty, express or implied. I hope it's useful, but I make no promises.
#
# Permission is granted to modify and redistribute, but do not remove any of
# these comments.

require './first_names.rb'

markov_name = ""
100.times do
  names_array = Names.names.split("\n")
  markov_name = names_array.sample[0]
  loop do
    split_str = markov_name[markov_name.length - 1]
    if markov_name.length > 1
      split_str.prepend(markov_name[markov_name.length - 2])
    end
    names_array = Names.names.split(split_str)
    names_array.shift
    next_sample = names_array.sample
    if next_sample.length > 0
      next_char = next_sample[0]
      break if next_char == "\n"
      markov_name << next_char
    end
  end
  puts markov_name
end