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" => "some",a => "another value",:a => "3rd value"}

But in 1.9.2 > We can't (or how can we if I'm wrong?")

1.9.2 hash:

{a: "some"} =>  {:a=>"s"} #it convert to old hash format

but

a="a" 
{a: "..."} # This doesn't work

{"a": "some value"} => syntax error, unexpected '}', expecting $end
from /home/naveed/.rvm/rubies/ruby-1.9.2-p290/bin/irb:16:in `<main>'

{1: "s"} =>

SyntaxError: (irb):11: syntax error, unexpected ':', expecting tASSOC {1: "s"}

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.