Query instance variable in Ruby blocks

Question

In the following example.....
class Monster
  attr_reader :name, :actions
  def initialize(name)
    @name = name
    @actions = {
      screams: 0,
      scares: 0,
      runs: 0,
      hides: 0
    }
  end
  def scream(&block)
    @actions[:screams] += 1
    print "#{name} screams! "
    yield 
  end
end
monster = Monster.new("Fluffy")
monster.scream { puts "BOO!" }
I thought that if you state at the beginning- 
attr_reader :name, :actions
you would not have to use @actions again. However in the def scream method, it is referenced. Please could someone explain why. 
Thanks, 
Sara

Sara Crwly · Answer

thank you!

Seth Reece · Answer

Hi Sara,
Using attr_reader means that you do not have to use @, but does not make it that you can't. e.g. Both of these will pass the challenge:
```ruby
class Monster
  attr_reader :name, :actions
  def initialize(name)
    @name = name
    @actions = {
      screams: 0,
      scares: 0,
      runs: 0,
      hides: 0
    }
  end
  def scream(&block)
    @actions[:screams] += 1
    print "#{name} screams! "
  end
end
monster = Monster.new("Fluffy")
monster.scream { puts "BOO!" }
```
```ruby
class Monster
  attr_reader :name, :actions
  def initialize(name)
    @name = name
    @actions = {
      screams: 0,
      scares: 0,
      runs: 0,
      hides: 0
    }
  end
  def scream(&block)
    actions[:screams] += 1
    print "#{name} screams! "
  end
end
monster = Monster.new("Fluffy")
monster.scream { puts "BOO!" }
```

Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Looking to learn something new?

Sara Crwly

Sara Crwly

Query instance variable in Ruby blocks

2 Answers

Seth Reece

Seth Reece

Sara Crwly

Sara Crwly