---
title: Omit the rb file extension in a require
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
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  Docs > Datadog Security > Code Security > Static Code Analysis (SAST) > SAST
  Rules > Omit the rb file extension in a require
---

# Omit the rb file extension in a require

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## Metadata{% #metadata %}

**ID:** `ruby-best-practices/no-explicit-rb-to-require`

**Language:** Ruby

**Severity:** Notice

**Category:** Best Practices

## Description{% #description %}

The rule "Omit the rb file extension in a require" is a coding convention in Ruby programming. It is designed to enforce the best practice of omitting the ".rb" extension when using the `require` or `require_relative` methods to include another Ruby file. This is because Ruby's `require` method automatically searches for the ".rb" extension, and including it is redundant.

This rule is important because it promotes cleaner and more readable code. Writing the extension in a `require` statement is unnecessary and can lead to confusion. In addition, adhering to this rule can prevent potential issues with file loading, as Ruby might interpret a require with an explicit ".rb" extension differently.

To avoid violating this rule, omit the ".rb" extension when using `require` or `require_relative`. For example, instead of writing `require 'foo.rb'`, write `require 'foo'`. For relative paths, instead of `require_relative '../bar.rb'`, use `require_relative '../bar'`. This will ensure your code is clean, readable, and adheres to Ruby's best practices.

## Non-Compliant Code Examples{% #non-compliant-code-examples %}

```ruby
require 'foo.rb'
require_relative '../bar.rb'
```

## Compliant Code Examples{% #compliant-code-examples %}

```ruby
require 'foo'
require 'bar.so'
require_relative '../baz'
require_relative '../qux.so'
```
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