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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Problem
3.
Solution
4.
Discussion
5.
Frequently Asked Questions
5.1.
Why is the programming language Ruby so adaptable?
5.2.
What command should we use to determine the installed Ruby version?
5.3.
What options are there for removing a component from an array?
5.4.
What do you mean by Ruby class?
6.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Finding an Object’s Class and Superclass

Author Riya Bhogra
0 upvote

Introduction

Few elements in a dynamic language like Ruby are static. Classes may acquire new techniques while losing older ones. Methods can be manually defined or automatically defined by adequately written code.

4 The use of reflection and metaprogramming by the Ruby programming philosophy to prevent the programmer from having to write repetitive code is probably its most intriguing feature.

Metaprogramming is programming what manual labour is to perform a task. You write a program to perform the sort instead of opening a file with 100 lines and starting to shuffle them in a text editor. In the same vein, you shouldn't just begin writing the methods one at a time if you need to give a Ruby class 100 similar ways.

Ruby allows you to metaprogram by either writing regular Ruby code that extensively uses reflection or by creating and evaluating a string that contains Ruby code. It is generally safer to write normal Ruby code with reflection, but occasionally the reflection becomes too much, and you must evaluate a string. For each technique, we offer a recipe demonstration.

Problem

If a class is given, you want an object that corresponds to it or to its parent class.

Solution

To obtain the class of an object as a Class object, use the Object#class method. To find the parent Class of a Class object, use Class#superclass:

'a string'.class                                         # => String 
'a string'.class.name                               # => "String" 
'a string'.class.superclass                      # => Object 
String.superclass                                   # => Object 
String.class                                            # => Class 
String.class.superclass                          # => Module
 'a string'.class.new                                # => "" 

Discussion

First-class objects known as class objects in Ruby can be assigned to variables, passed as methods' arguments, and dynamically changed.

The BasicObject class has nil as its superclass. This makes building up an inheritance hierarchy simple:

class Class
   def hierarchy
      (superclass ? superclass.hierarchy : []) << self
  end 
end
Array.hierarchy                             # => [BasicObject, Object, Array]
class MyArray < Array
end
MyArray.hierarchy                        # => [BasicObject, Object, Array, MyArray]

 

Despite Ruby's lack of multiple inheritance support, the language does allow mixin modules that mimic it. The Module#ancestors method provides access to the Modules that a specific Class (or another Module) has included.

A class may have any number of ancestors but only one superclass. The entire inheritance hierarchy, including the class itself, any modules the class contains, and the ever-present Kernel module, whose methods are accessible from anywhere because the Object itself mixes it in, are all included in the list returned by Module#ancestors:

String.superclass                                # => Object
String.ancestors                                 # => [String, Enumerable, Comparable,
                                                           #                  Object, Kernel, BasicObject]
Array.ancestors                                  # => [Array, Enumerable, Object, Kernel, BasicObject]
MyArray.ancestors                                # => [MyArray, Array, Enumerable, 
                                                          #                     Object, Kernel, BasicObject]


Object.ancestors                                 # => [Object, Kernel, BasicObject]
class MyClass 
end 
MyClass.ancestors                                # => [MyClass, Object, Kernel, BasicObject]

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the programming language Ruby so adaptable?

Ruby allows programmers to change the programming elements as they see fit. Additionally, it doesn't limit the user. This implies that by updating the built-in class, we can use multiple symbols for the same functionality. For instance, to add two numbers, we can use the plus sign (+) or the word "plus." This modification must be made to the built-in class for numerics.

What command should we use to determine the installed Ruby version?

To determine the installed version of the Ruby programming language, we can use the command ruby -v.

What options are there for removing a component from an array?

shift, uniq, pop, delete, all are available for removing a component in an array.

What do you mean by Ruby class?

Ruby's first-class object is a class. It is a Ruby class instance. The keywords class and end can be used to start and end a class, respectively.

Conclusion

Today's businesses rely heavily on the tools and software that enable them to accomplish their goals quickly and effectively. They are also looking for individuals who have experience with the frameworks, tools, and programming languages that would be particularly beneficial to them in the start-up and development phases of their businesses. I hope the information above is helpful to you. Your ability to access the interview will be aided by the prior questions. I would also suggest that you pursue education and certification in the major technologies that enable people to have prosperous careers.

Refer to our Guided Path on Coding Ninjas Studio to upskill yourself in Ruby-langRubyCompetitive Programming,Ruby-documentationRuby FAQ's, and many more! If you want to test your competency in coding, you may check out the mock test series and participate in the contests hosted on Coding Ninjas Studio! 

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