I'm using FXRuby and YAML, but this question deals with using a hash :

Is there a better/easier way to do this?

self.backColor = @options["GUI"].has_key?("backColor") ? 
@options["GUI"]["backColor"] : FXColor::Red 

Basically, if backColor is a key then use that key's value else use the 
default.

I'm going to have a lot of these...I wonder if there is a better way to handle 
this...

-- 

 Kurt
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  There is no good nor evil; there is only power.