From: Gregory Brown <gregory.t.brown@...>
Date: 2007-06-24T12:38:41+09:00
Subject: Re: Newbie Question Passing variables to methods

On 6/23/07, Starke <starke1120@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Im trying to set up a method and pass a varible to it then out put the
> new manipulated varible back out.   Here is what I have
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> var1 = 'test'
>
> def change var_in
>   puts var_in
>   var_in = 'test1'
>   puts var_in
> end
>
> change var1
>
> -----------------------------------
>
> As you can see, I pass in var1 into the method and then I change the
> value to 'test1'.  I would like to method to go back and update var1,
> so that if passed into another method it reflects the change that
> method change var_in did.  Does this make since?  Im new to
> programming.

Hi.  What you are talking about are instance variables.  Let's move
your print statements outside of your method:

#---
@var1 = "test"

puts @var1

def change
  @var1 = "test1"
end

change

puts @var1
#---

or, if you want to pass the value into your method:

#---
def change(value)
  @var1 = value
end

change 'something'
puts @var1
#---

You'll want to pick up a basic understanding of scoping, data
encapsulation, and object oriented design.  You might start with some
simple tutorials that help you learn by example, such as TryRuby:
http://tryruby.hobix.com/

The first edition of Programming Ruby is also available free online,
and is a good book.  Once you get somewhat familiar, you might want to
pick up the second edition as a reference

http://www.rubycentral.com/book/

And of course, if you run into problems, post here. :)

Best of luck,
-greg