Ruby convert string to method name

Question

I have two methods defined in my ruby file.

def is_mandatory(string)
      puts xyz
end
def is_alphabets(string)
      puts abc 
end

An array containing the names of the methods.

    methods = ["is_mandatory", "is_alphabets"]

When I do the following

    methods.each do |method| puts method.concat("(\"abc\")") end

It just displays, is_mandatory("abc") is_alphabets("abc") rather than actually calling the method.

How can i convert the string to method name? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!!

On a side note, the Ruby way of doing is_* methods is by using a question mark rather than the prefix "is", i.e. `mandatory?` and `alphabets?`. — Jon Cairns, Oct 24 '12 at 09:42

score 62 · Accepted Answer · edited Sep 27 '19 at 17:00

62

Best way is probably:

methods.each { |methodName| send(methodName, 'abc') }

edited Sep 27 '19 at 17:00

Sapphire_Brick

answered Nov 07 '11 at 12:28

Chowlett

If these methods belong to some class? – Sakshi Jain Apr 21 '15 at 06:48
2

Then you want something like: `obj = OwningClass.new; methods.each { |meth| obj.send(meth, 'abc') }` – Chowlett Apr 21 '15 at 10:17
2

or if we're talking about class methods, then `methods.each{ |method| Class.send(meth, argument) }` – Jesse Novotny Jun 17 '17 at 18:56

score 15 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 07 '11 at 12:30

15

Try using "send".

methods.each do |method| 
  self.send(method, "abc")
end

answered Nov 07 '11 at 12:30

Aurril

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jan 02 '20 at 11:13

2

All previous solutions with send are fine but it is recommended to use public_send instead (otherwise you can be calling private methods).

Example:

'string'.public_send(:size)
=> 6

answered Jan 02 '20 at 11:13

Gerard Morera

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Feb 16 '19 at 10:29

0

You can also add hash to send parameters to the method.

send("method_name", "abc", {add more parameters in this hash})

answered Feb 16 '19 at 10:29

vikas95prasad

4 Answers4