title: Ruby on Rails- :symbols, @iVars and "strings" - oh my!
body: <p>New to Rails and trying to get my head around when/why to use <code>:symbols</code>, <code>@ivars</code> , <code>"strings"</code> within the framework.</p>
  
  <p>I think I understand the differences between them conceptually</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>only one <code>:symbol</code> instance per project</li>
  <li>one <code>@ivar</code> per instance</li>
  <li>multiple <code>"strings"</code> - as they are created whenever referenced <em>(?)</em></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p><em>Feel free to correct me!</em></p>
  
  <p>The main confusion comes from understanding the <strong>rules</strong> &amp; <strong>conventions</strong> of what Rails expects - where and WHY? </p>
  
  <p>I'm sure there's an "Ah ha!" moment coming but I haven't had it yet...as it seems pretty arbitrary to me (coming from C/Obj-C).</p>
  
  <p>-thx</p>