Warn about variables that have no actual effect
Author: forthrinCreated Nov 18, 2025Updated Sep 18, 2026
Labelsenhancement
Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
def foo
prev = nil
[1, 2, 3].each do
puts it
prev = it
end
end
fooHere, prev is of no consequence to the program, ie.
- Not used for decision-making
- Not copied to other variables
- Not sent to other functions
- Not printed to the terminal
- Not available outside its scope
Describe the solution you'd like
Variable `prev` has no actual effect and can be removed [[Correctable] Lint/InconsequentialVariable]
Describe alternatives you've considered
None come to mind.
Additional context
Nothing comes to mind.
Source: rubocop/rubocop