%i and %I in Ruby

1. Use the %i in Ruby
2. Use the %I in Ruby

Sometimes you may need to retrieve a variable’s value inside an array. This is mainly required when the variable’s value is related to the array you’re working on.

You can easily do that in Ruby by using the %i or %I.

This article will discuss how we can use the %i or %I in Ruby, along with their differences. Also, we are going to take a look at an example to make the topic easier.

Use the %i in Ruby

In our example below, we will demonstrate the use of %i in Ruby. Let’s take a look at our below example.

a = :test
puts %i[#{a} x]

If you look at the result, you will find that the %i won’t resolve a and will provide you with the below output.

#{x}
x

Use the %I in Ruby

In our example below, we will demonstrate the use of %I in Ruby. Let’s take a look at our below example.

a = :test
puts %I[#{a} x]

Now, if you look at the result, you will find that the %I resolved a and replaced it with its value. After running the above example, you will get output like the one below.

test
x

Please note that:

1. %i[ ] - Non-interpolated array; it will never resolve symbols.
2. %I[ ] - Interpolated array; it will resolve symbols.

Please note that all the code this article shares is written in Ruby.