Create multiple identical methods in Ruby

Question

In one of my models I have code like this:

def lendable_category=(i)
  set_category(i)
end

def free_category=(i)
  set_category(i)
end

def skill_category=(i)
  set_category(i)
end

The methods are virtual parameters which I've added so I can save an object using a params hash without coercing the hash in my controller.

It doesn't feel great to say the same thing three times. Is there a better way to create identical methods like this?

Answer 1

%w(lendable free skill).each do |name|
  define_method "#{name}_category" do |i|
    set_category(i)
  end
end

Answer 2

Alternatively, since your methods aren't doing anything other than calling set_category, you can save a couple of lines by just aliasing the method:

%w(lendable free skill).each do |name|
  alias_method "#{name}_category=", :set_category
end