key in ruby new hash

Question

There is a weird issue with Ruby 1.9.2\'s new hash syntax. How can I put any Object as key in hash in 1.9.2?

in 1.8.7 hash it works:

a=\"b\" 
{\"a\" =>         


        

Answer 1

In Ruby 1.9 you are allowed to put colon : only after symbols that are used as keys!

Any object can use the arrow =>, even symbols.

Answer 2

To say this another way, the new feature isn't a new general hash syntax, it's a specific tweak for writing hashes where the keys are symbol literals. {a: 1} is just a shortcut for {:a => 1}, and that's all. If you have anything else as keys, you have to use the regular syntax.