[Rails] Using variables within a string - The function doesn't pass the value?

[softwareengineer 99]

Hello everyone,
  
  As a beginner to ROR, I am very confused regarding why the following is happening.
  
  If my function is defined as
  
      def self.home_categories (portal_id)
          find(:all, :conditions => [ "portal_id=?", portal_id ] )
      end
  
  the following doesn't works (the database is queried with a value of 0.
  
      portal_id=1
      @categories = Category.home_categories (:portal_id)
  
  but this works
  
      @categories = Category.home_categories (1)
  
  
  However, 
  
  If my function is defined as
  
      def self.home_categories (portal_id)
          find(:all, :conditions => "portal_id=#{portal_id}" )
      end
  
  then the following works
  
      portal_id=1
      @categories = Category.home_categories (portal_id)
  
  and the following also works:
  
      @categories = Category.home_categories (1)
  
  
  Why is that happening? Any pointers / explanation is appreciated.
  
  Thanks
  Frank
  
  P.S. Thank you Ezra for your assistance with my earlier question and  clarifying how I accidentally hijacked the thread. My sincerest  apologies to the list members and the thread owner for the accidental  hijack.
  

		
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