What are the best practices for using symbols in Ruby?

What are the best practices for using symbols in Ruby?

In Ruby, symbols are lightweight, immutable strings often used as identifiers. Best practices include using symbols for keys in hashes, avoiding unnecessary string conversions, and using them for method names.

Can you explain why symbols are preferred over strings in certain cases?

Symbols are preferred because they are more memory-efficient and faster for comparisons. Unlike strings, symbols are unique and immutable, which makes them ideal for use as keys.

Are there any situations where I should avoid using symbols?

Yes, avoid using symbols when you need mutable data or when the data is user-generated, as symbols are not garbage collected and can lead to memory bloat.

What about using symbols in method arguments?

Using symbols in method arguments can be beneficial for options hashes, as they provide a clear and concise way to pass parameters without the overhead of strings.