The .push method

What is a .push method?
The .push method is a commonly used method for adding elements to the end of an array. It appends the specified object (or objects) to the end of the array and returns the modified array.

Example:

# Creating an array
my_array = [1, 2, 3]

# Using .push to add a new element to the end of the array
my_array.push(4)

puts my_array
# Output: [1, 2, 3, 4]

In this example, the .push(4) method is called on the my_array, and the integer 4 is added to the end of the array, resulting in [1, 2, 3, 4].

You can also use the shorthand notation '<<' for the same purpose:

# Using << to add another element to the end of the array
my_array << 5

puts my_array
# Output: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

How and when to use the .push method?
The .push method is particularly useful when you want to dynamically add elements to an array, especially when working with data that is generated or obtained during the execution of your program. It is commonly used in scenarios like:

1) Appending Elements in a Loop:

numbers = [1, 2, 3]
(6..10).each { |num| numbers.push(num) }

2) Building an Array Incrementally:

result = []
result.push("first")
result.push("second")

3) Adding Elements Based on Conditions:

fruits = ["apple", "banana"]
fruits.push("orange") if some_condition

4) Dynamic Data Collection:

user_names = []
user_names.push(get_user_input)

In summary, the .push method is a convenient way to add elements to the end of an array, and you would use it when you need to dynamically expand or modify an array during the course of your program.