Ruby - Methods
Why does Ruby use the
* symbol before a parameter name to accept variable-length arguments?Why does Ruby use the * symbol before a parameter name to accept variable-length arguments?
hard📝 Conceptual Q10 of 15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand the purpose of * in method parameters
The * before a parameter name collects all remaining arguments into one array.Step 2: Differentiate from other uses of *
To indicate the parameter is optional is incorrect because * does not mark optional parameters. To mark the parameter as a block is for blocks (&). To unpack an array into separate arguments is the opposite use of * (splat operator in calls).Final Answer:
To collect all extra arguments into a single array parameter -> Option BQuick Check:
*args collects extra arguments into array [OK]
Quick Trick: In method defs, * collects extra args into one array [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES- Confusing *args with block parameters (&block)
- Thinking * means optional parameter
- Mixing * usage in calls vs definitions
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