5.4. Symbols

A symbol is very similar to a string, except that they follow the same rules as identifiers and are unique. All symbols are part of a global symbols table and thereby identical symbols are identical objects.

5.4.1. Syntax

Symbol ::=  "$" Identifier

5.4.1.1. Examples

foo = $symbol
bar = "symbol"
baz = $symbol

# foo and baz hold the same object
puts(foo is baz) #=> true

# foo, baz and bar all hold the same data
puts(foo == bar == baz) #=> true

# foo (or baz) does not hold the same object as bar
puts(foo is bar) #=> false