From: Philip Hallstrom <ruby@...>
Date: 2006-04-22T08:12:37+09:00
Subject: Problem with String.my_custom_func! "Can't change the value of self"

Hi all -

I'm extending the String class to include a tidy_up_html() method that 
runs the string using tidy.  Works great.  However, I'd like to also 
have a tidy_up_html!() method and do it in place.

The problem is that the tidy library *has* to return a new value, so at 
some point I have to do:

 	self = ......

at which point I get the error: Can't change the value of self

Here's a trivial example:

class String
     def my_func!
         self.gsub!(/x/, 'y') #okay
         self = result_of_tidy_call #not okay
     end
end

I'm new enough to ruby that I can't figure out how to work around this...

Suggestions?

Thanks!

-philip