From: Mark Somerville <mark@...>
Date: 2005-12-31T01:52:38+09:00
Subject: Re: On Symbols

On Friday 30 December 2005 13:39, Devin Mullins wrote:
> Hey, all you lurkers:

Hello.

>
> Have any of the explanations in the thread (What is the difference
> between :foo and "foo" ?) helped you understand symbols? A combination
> of them? Or a combination of a couple of explanations, and an irb
> session? Which ones? Why? If you don't want to get involved in (what
> seems to be turning into) a flamewar, email me personally (hint: don't
> click "Reply" :P), and I'll compile the results anonymously.

Yes, the thread has definitely helped my understanding (but I wouldn't like to 
offer up my own explanation of how they work ;) ). It's hard to pinpoint any 
one thing that made it click, but I think the host/port example on the second 
half of this page seemed to make the most difference to me:

http://microjet.ath.cx/WebWiki/2005.12.27_UsingSymbolsForTheWrongReason.html

I found the examples of when to use symbols the most useful. In fact, I'd say 
they're essential, at least for me.

Thanks everyone.

Mark

>
> I think we all agree that everybody learns differently, and so I think
> we're in dire need of feedback from somebody other than Chad (no offense).
>
> Devin