From: Robert Klemme <bob.news@...>
Date: 2004-05-14T21:18:56+09:00
Subject: Re: Regexp Error?


"ts" <decoux@moulon.inra.fr> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:200405141118.i4EBIo422693@moulon.inra.fr...
> >>>>> "R" == Robert Klemme <bob.news@gmx.net> writes:
>
> R> irb(main):023:0> "123-456".gsub(/.*/, 'X')
> R> => "XX"
>
>   * first match : "123-456"
>   * now it's at end
>   * second match with the empty string
>
> R> irb(main):024:0> "123-456".gsub(/^.*/, 'X')
> R> => "X"
>
>   * first match : "123-456"
>   * now it's at end
>   * it can't match the empty string because there is ^ in the regexp

That explains it.  I still have to say that I find this a bit surprising.
Moreover, case strikes me as error:

irb(main):025:0> "123-456".gsub(/.*$/, 'X')
=> "XX"

Applying your explanation, one would have to say that "$" is matched
twice.  IMHO this is not correct.  Or is there another explanation why
this gsub happens to return "XX"?

Regards

    robert