Self keyword behavior in Ruby - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the self keyword represent inside an instance method in Ruby?

Inside an instance method, self refers to the current object (instance) on which the method is called.

beginner

How does <code>self</code> behave inside a class method in Ruby?

<p>Inside a class method, <code>self</code> refers to the class itself, not an instance.</p>

intermediate

What is the value of <code>self</code> at the top level of a Ruby program (outside any class or method)?

At the top level, self refers to the main object, which is an instance of Object.

beginner

Can self be reassigned to another object inside a method?

No, self is a special keyword and cannot be reassigned to a different object inside a method.

intermediate

How does self help when defining setter methods in Ruby?

Using self.attribute = value inside a method calls the setter method instead of creating a local variable.

Inside an instance method, what does self refer to?

A The class itself

B The current object (instance)

C The main object

D A local variable

Inside an instance method, self always refers to the current instance of the class.

What does self refer to inside a class method?

A The current instance

B The main object

C A global variable

D The class itself

In a class method, self points to the class, not an instance.

At the top level of a Ruby program, self is:

A The main object

B An instance of the current class

C Nil

D The class object

At the top level, self is the main object, an instance of Object.

Why do we use self.attribute = value inside a method?

A To create a local variable

B To call a class method

C To call the setter method

D To reassign <code>self</code>

Using self.attribute = value calls the setter method instead of creating a local variable.

Can you assign a new object to self inside a method?

A No, <code>self</code> is special and cannot be reassigned

B Only in class methods

C Only at the top level

D Yes, anytime

self is a special keyword and cannot be reassigned inside methods.

Explain how the self keyword behaves differently inside instance methods, class methods, and at the top level in Ruby.

Think about what object is 'current' in each context.

Describe why using self.attribute = value inside a method is important compared to just writing attribute = value.

Consider how Ruby decides between local variables and method calls.