What are mutable and immutable data types in Ruby?

Can you explain the difference between mutable and immutable data types in Ruby?

Sure! In Ruby, mutable data types can be changed after they are created, like arrays and hashes. Immutable data types, like strings and symbols, cannot be altered once created.

Can you give me examples of mutable and immutable data types?

Absolutely! An example of a mutable data type is an array. You can add or remove elements from it. An example of an immutable data type is a string; once you create it, you can't change its content without creating a new string.

What happens if I try to change an immutable object?

If you try to change an immutable object, Ruby will create a new object instead of modifying the original one. This is why strings are considered immutable.

Are there any performance implications of using mutable vs immutable types?

Yes, mutable types can be more memory efficient since they can be modified in place, while immutable types may lead to more object creation, which can impact performance.