From: Bill Kelly <billk@...>
Date: 2002-12-03T03:30:08+09:00
Subject: Re: Symbol class for a newbie, I'm just not getting it.  :-(

Hi,

From: <christopher.j.meisenzahl@citicorp.com>
> 
> "some_identifier" vs ":some_identifier"?
> 
> I'm just not getting the Symbol type. What does this buy me? When would I want 
> to use it? What is it analogous to in another language?
> 
> I understand how to use the colon with attr_accessor through rote memorization; 
> but I don't really understand it.  :-(
> 
> Can someone provide a very simple example of its proper use and advantages?

Here's a recent thread on the subject...
http://groups.google.com/groups?threadm=F5bQ30ITd1U4qECJ9O500008e6a%40hotmail.com&rnum=2


I personally like symbols for certain kinds of constants in my
code.  For ex:

  hat.add_relation(:synonym, "chapeau")
  hat.add_relation(:has_part, "brim")
  hat.add_relation(:kind_of, "clothing")


Others have pointed out that using symbols thusly allows me to
misspell my constants without Ruby catching my mistakes...  But
this doesn't seem to bother me. :)


Hope this helps,

Bill