From: Martin Kahlert <martin.kahlert@...>
Date: 2001-12-05T15:49:15+09:00
Subject: [ruby-talk:27523] Re: I don't understand this

Hi Vincent!

On Wed, Dec 05, 2001 at 04:11:45AM +0900, Vincent Foley wrote:
> OK, help me here.  Here's a small piece of code:
> [code]
> 
> #!/usr/bin/env ruby
> 
> phrase = gets.chomp
> 
> l = phrase.length
> 
> l.downto(0) {|x|
>   print phrase[x,1]
> }
> #puts
> [/code]
> 
> Notice that 'puts' on the last line is commented.  If I leave it
> commented, nothing will output, if I uncomment it, then my string will
> be displayed.  Anyone could enlighten me?

As others already pointed out you got bitten by a non flushed output stream.

Nevertheless, shouldn't the line 'l = phrase.length' be 'l = phrase.length-1'?

Bye,
Martin.

-- 
The early bird catches the worm. If you want something else for       
breakfast, get up later.