From: dblack@...
Date: 2006-11-04T08:18:21+09:00
Subject: Re: Accessing a hash -- Beginner

Hi --

On Sat, 4 Nov 2006, don wrote:

> I want to access a hash via a gets command.  A simplified
> example, for a hash named, "test":
>
>  print 'hash name: '
>  hash_var = gets.chomp   # enter 'test' here
>
>  puts hash_var           # <-- nil
>  puts test               # <-- the contents of the hash
>
> One problem I see is hash_var is class String, while test is
> class Hash.  I cannot figure out how to make hash_var class
> Hash.  I'm not even sure if I am on the right track.  I
> would appreciate any help.

Do you want to set a hash key, or retrieve a value using an existing
key?  For example:

   test = { "one" => 1, "two" => 2 }
   hash_key = gets.chomp
   puts test[hash_key]

If you input "one", the program will print 1.


David

-- 
                   David A. Black | dblack@wobblini.net
Author of "Ruby for Rails"   [1] | Ruby/Rails training & consultancy [3]
DABlog (DAB's Weblog)        [2] | Co-director, Ruby Central, Inc.   [4]
[1] http://www.manning.com/black | [3] http://www.rubypowerandlight.com
[2] http://dablog.rubypal.com    | [4] http://www.rubycentral.org