> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://clear.gitbook.io/project/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://clear.gitbook.io/project/additional-and-advanced-features/symbol-vs-string.md).

# Symbol vs String

In most query building methods, we allow symbols and strings to be given as parameter. 

While not being always true, when using `Symbol`, Clear will try to escape the word using double quote during the request building, while `String` will be printed out as it.

```ruby
# SELECT * FROM "users" INNER JOIN "orders" on "order_id" == "orders"."id"
User.query.join(:orders){order_id == orders.id }

# SELECT * FROM "users" INNER JOIN orders on "order_id" == "orders"."id"
User.query.join("orders"){order_id == orders.id }
```

In case of wrong behavior, do not hesitate to [fill an issue here](https://github.com/anykeyh/clear/issues).


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://clear.gitbook.io/project/additional-and-advanced-features/symbol-vs-string.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
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Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.