Which syntax is preferred to create a Hash in Ruby on Rails?

Question

I am writing some code in Ruby on Rails to Create an object.

I am using Ruby 2.0 and Rails 4.0.3 in my Application.

I have a Model called:

class GroupUsers < ActiveRecord::Base
  belongs_to :users
  belongs_to :group

This is basically a ManyToMany mapping between Users and Groups. So, today I was creating an object for this Model.

But I found out I could follow two syntax for this, as follows

GroupUsers.create( :user => user, :group => group )

Or

GroupUsers.create( user: user, group: group )

Basically since this is related to creating a Hash so it must be a question of the best practice in Ruby.

Which syntax should be preferred ?

Answer 1

It depends. I prefer the newer syntax because I feel that it is more readable. As others have pointed out, however, the newer syntax is only compatible with Ruby 1.9.2+.

You should be aware, however, that the new syntax does not entirely replace the hash rocket syntax. This is because you can only use the newer syntax with symbols.

{ "text": :hello } #=> syntax error, unexpected ':', expecting =>

If you want to use strings and methods, you will still need to use the has rocket:

{ method_name => :hello }
{ "a_string" => :hello }

Personally, from my experience of reading and watching educational materials, the newer syntax is preferred where possible. It's also less keystrokes: : instead of => is easier for me.

Answer 2

Depends on the Ruby version you're using. If you're using Ruby 1.9.2+ then the second syntax is cleaner in terms of readability.

If you're using Ruby 1.8 then you can't use the second syntax anyway and you have not choice.

Answer 3

Well, you can also create an ActiveRecord object with a block passed:

GroupUsers.create do |gu|
  gu.user = user
  gu.group = group
end

though I don't think it's suitable with just a few attributes being set. However, I'd suggest renaming the robot-like GroupUsers into Membership, for example.