From: Nathaniel Talbott <ntalbott@...>
Date: 2001-09-22T09:41:25+09:00
Subject: [ruby-talk:21512] Re: Replacement for __FILE__ == $0

Kevin Smith [mailto:kevinbsmith@yahoo.com] wrote:
> --- Nathaniel Talbott <ntalbott@rolemodelsoft.com> wrote:
> > OK, this will probably end up being an RCR, but first I
> > want to get some
> > feedback. Does this construct bother anybody else?:
> > 
> > 	if __FILE__ == $0
> > 		... Do stuff ...
> > 	end
> 
> The __FILE__ part doesn't bother me, but the $0 does. How
> about just creating an alias for $0? It's the main file,
> right? so __MAINFILE__ or $MAIN_FILE or something like that 
> seems reasonable. I think *ALL* the cryptic perl leftovers 
> should have friendly aliases, and most already do.
> 
> I don't really like the idea of creating a wrapper for the 
> entire expression.

Why? It means one less thing that has to be remembered (two less things
if you require 'English'). Instead of having to remember 

	if __FILE__ = $0	# or $PROGRAM_NAME

you have just have to remember

	in_main_file { stuff }

It's prettier, too, and more explanatory (although I'll admit, I'm still
not sure about the name).


Nathaniel

<:((><
+ - -
| RoleModel Software, Inc.
| EQUIP VI