Times method for counted repetition in Ruby - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the times method do in Ruby?

The times method runs a block of code a specific number of times, based on the integer it is called on.

beginner

How do you use times to print "Hello" 3 times?

You write 3.times { puts "Hello" }. This runs the puts "Hello" command 3 times.

intermediate

What value does the block variable in times represent?

The block variable represents the current count, starting from 0 up to one less than the number. For example, in 5.times { |i| puts i }, i goes from 0 to 4.

intermediate

What is the return value of the times method?

The times method returns the original integer it was called on. For example, 3.times { puts "Hi" } returns 3.

advanced

Can times be used without a block? What happens?

If times is called without a block, it returns an Enumerator. This lets you chain other methods or use it later.

What does 4.times { |i| puts i } print?

A 1 2 3

B 1 2 3 4

C 4 3 2 1

D 0 1 2 3

The block variable i starts at 0 and goes up to 3, so it prints 0, 1, 2, 3 each on a new line.

What is the return value of 5.times { puts "Hi" }?

A nil

B An array of 5 elements

C 5

D "Hi"

The times method returns the integer it was called on, which is 5.

What happens if you call 3.times without a block?

A It returns an Enumerator

B It raises an error

C It returns nil

D It prints 3 times

Without a block, times returns an Enumerator object.

Which of these is a correct way to repeat a task 2 times?

A 2.repeat { do_something }

B 2.times { do_something }

C times(2) { do_something }

D repeat(2) { do_something }

The correct Ruby method to repeat a block a number of times is times called on an integer.

In n.times { |i| ... }, what is the first value of i?

A 0

B 1

C n

D nil

The block variable i starts at 0 and increments by 1 each iteration.

Explain how the times method works in Ruby and give an example.

Think about how many times the code inside the block runs and what the block variable represents.

What happens if you call times without a block? How can this be useful?

Consider what Ruby returns when no block is given and how you might use that.