Splat operator
A splat operator is language syntax that expands an iterable into multiple arguments or gathers multiple arguments into one parameter.
Python Workout, Second Edition
The splat operator is Python's asterisk syntax for collecting multiple function arguments into a parameter or unpacking an iterable into separate function arguments.
- How it is used
- Accepts variable-length function input and expands iterables into arguments or set elements.
- How deep it goes
- Explains tuple storage, empty-input behavior, slicing, type errors, and readability tradeoffs, stopping short of broader argument syntax.
- Examples
- Uses mysum, unique-number set construction, and a Bowl.add_scoops method receiving Scoop objects.
- What you can do after
- Build flexible functions, unpack iterables at calls, and expand iterable elements into sets.
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The Well-Grounded Rubyist, Fourth Edition
The splat operator is Ruby's * syntax for expanding an array or array-convertible object into a list of elements or arguments.
- How it is used
- Expands arrays into argument lists and collects variable numbers of arguments inside method parameter lists.
- How deep it goes
- Explains bare lists, array conversion through to_a, parameter priority, empty catches, and insufficient-argument errors.
- Examples
- Uses array reconstruction, name passing, Struct conversion, and methods mixing required, optional, and catch-all parameters.
- What you can do after
- Apply it in Ruby method calls and definitions to expand arrays or capture remaining arguments predictably.
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Related concepts
- iterableused by · An iterable is an object or value that provides or supports a protocol for producing its elements sequentially.
- variadic argumentsuses · A variadic function or parameter accepts a variable number of arguments, often collecting the supplied values into a sequence of a specified type.
- functionuses · A function is a defined operation that maps inputs to outputs and, when implemented as a callable program unit, may also produce effects.
- tupleproduces · A tuple is a finite, ordered collection of elements treated as a single composite value or record.
- inputconfigures · An input is a value, information, or signal supplied to a system, computation, or interface for processing or to influence its behavior.
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