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Brian Sylvester
2,010 PointsClarification on the merge method (as taught in the Hash Methods video)
In this video, Jason used the merge method to merge the original hash with {'calories' => 100}". He explained how it returns the hash with the new key added, but "if we look back at that original hash, it does not have the calories key. This is because merge will create a new hash."
I'm slightly confused about what is going on when merge is "creating a new hash." How would I print that new hash later on in the code, if I hypothetically wanted to do that? Or, is it only creating a new hash on the spot after the merge method is called?
Hope that makes sense!
1 Answer
Kourosh Raeen
23,733 PointsHi Brian - You can just store what merge returns in a new variable:
new_hash = hash.merge({'calories' => 100})
And if later on you want to print it you can:
puts new_hash
Also, if you just want to modify the original hash and not return a new one you can use merge!:
hash.merge!({'calories' => 100})
You can now inspect the original hash and you'll see that it is changed.
Brian Sylvester
2,010 PointsBrian Sylvester
2,010 PointsThank you for the thorough response Kourosh! That makes sense.
Kourosh Raeen
23,733 PointsKourosh Raeen
23,733 PointsMy pleasure! Happy coding!