Meta-programming in Ruby : Part 16 : instance_eval

There are altogether 16 posts on this topic of meta-programming in Ruby language. Our approach encourages hands-on experimentation. The exercises here are specially designed to facilitate self-study and other independent modes of learning.

Provided we can find time amidst our busy schedule(well, who is not busy these days?), we will also discuss meta-programming in other languages such as Lisp and python.

Code 1

instance_eval and self.

# instance_eval evaluates a block of code
# with self set to the object that's receiving the instance_eval call.

add_two = Proc.new { self + 2 }

puts 1.instance_eval(&add_two)   #=> 3
puts 2.instance_eval(&add_two)   #=> 4

"stellar coding staff".instance_eval{p self}
[1970, 1980, 1990, 2000].instance_eval{p self}   
{'a'=> 1970, 'water'=> 1990, 'gold'=>2010}.instance_eval{p self}  
puts "\n\n"


# Here's a second example using an implicit method receiver.
call_reverse = Proc.new { self.reverse } 

p "alan akhoe kid".instance_eval(&call_reverse)   
p ["x", "y", "z"].instance_eval(&call_reverse)               #=> ["z", "y", "x"]
p [1, 34, 117, 997].instance_eval(&call_reverse)             
# OK BAD # p 12121.instance_eval(&call_reverse)

Result 1

[root@localhost ruby_tutor]# ruby ie_self.rb
3
4
"stellar coding staff"
[1970, 1980, 1990, 2000]
{"a"=>1970, "water"=>1990, "gold"=>2010}


"dik eohka nala"
["z", "y", "x"]
[997, 117, 34, 1]

Code 2

We can display private attributes using instance_eval.

class C
   def initialize
     @a = 0
   end
   def next
     @a += 1
   end
 end
w = C.new
p w.next
p w.next; puts;puts

p w.instance_eval "@a"          #=> 2
p w.instance_eval { @a }        #=> 2
p C.new.instance_eval { @a }    #=> 0

Result 2

[root@localhost ruby_tutor]# ruby ie_and_private_vars.rb
1
2


2
2
0