method is unable to return in ruby - ruby

Question

Below is a method which should return true if there is an existing user (a test to happen before trying to drop user). But it is not returning anything. I
def is_user?(user_name)
puts "Checking if #{user_name} exists: "
select_sql = <<-EOF
SELECT COUNT(*)
FROM all_users
WHERE username = upper('#{user_name}')
EOF
select_stmt = #conn.create_statement
result_set = select_stmt.execute_query(select_sql)
count = Array.new
while(result_set.next)
count = result_set.getInt(1)
end
result_set.close()
select_stmt.close()
if (count > 0)
#puts "#{count}" <---- This prints 1
return true
else
return false
end
end
After creating the connection object, I am calling this method and it not returning anything. Connection has been established successfully. I tried to return count but it is also not returning anything. Can anyone help me find what is the problem?
Thanks.

Answer 1

Why not use:
(count > 0)
by itself instead of:
if (count > 0)
#puts "#{count}" <---- This prints 1
return true
else
return false
end
It does the same thing and would be idiomatic Ruby.
I'd also strongly recommend you use the Sequel ORM for your database connectivity needs. It's extremely well written and portable.
Once you'd established a connection to your database you could use this to replace your code:
def is_user?(user_name)
DB[:users].where(:username => user_name.upcase).count > 0
end