From: dblack@...
Date: 2006-03-28T21:21:16+09:00
Subject: Re: Why do some methods names which replace the content in place doesn't have the "!" sign?

Hi --

On Tue, 28 Mar 2006, Robert Dober wrote:

> I am in a revolutionary mood today.
> So I will put it to extremes:
>
> It is a shame that methods can be defined in ruby, that do not end in "!"
> and still can modify instance variables of the receiver! (pun intended)

I'm all for revolutionary moods, but I'm afraid that makes no sense at
all :-)

Instance variables are the object's business.  When you call a method,
you shouldn't even have to know whether instance variables are
involved.  Also, ! means "dangerous", and there's nothing inherently
dangerous about methods that use instance variables.


David

-- 
David A. Black (dblack@wobblini.net)
Ruby Power and Light, LLC (http://www.rubypowerandlight.com)

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