# Split an element in an array into different fields using :

**URL:** <https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/split-an-element-in-an-array-into-different-fields-using/123666>\
**Category:** Ruby\
**Created:** [December 19, 2007, 4:41pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/split-an-element-in-an-array-into-different-fields-using/123666 "2007-12-19T16:41:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jazcyk](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/e56c9b/32.png) [@jazcyk](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/jazcyk)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2007, 4:41pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/split-an-element-in-an-array-into-different-fields-using/123666/1 "2007-12-19T16:41:43Z")

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Hey guys so i have a example of splitting elements in an array and  
getting the third word. Im using spaces to split it. Anyone know how to  
split it if i need to use : instead of spaces

arr = File.readlines(“sample.txt”)  
arr.map! {|line| line.split("\s")[2]}

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jazcyk](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/e56c9b/32.png) [@jazcyk](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/jazcyk)\
**Post date:** [December 19, 2007, 4:48pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/split-an-element-in-an-array-into-different-fields-using/123666/2 "2007-12-19T16:48:34Z")

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On 19/12/2007, Peter L. [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) wrote:

> Hey guys so i have a example of splitting elements in an array and  
> getting the third word. Im using spaces to split it. Anyone know how to  
> split it if i need to use : instead of spaces
> 
> arr = File.readlines(“sample.txt”)  
> arr.map! {|line| line.split(“\s”)[2]}

line.split(‘:’)

Farrel