From: Phlip <phlip2005@...>
Date: 2008-07-21T22:59:35+09:00
Subject: Re: protected members or explicit abstract classes?

aidy wrote:

> Could anyone tell me why Ruby does not include protected members nor
> explicit abstract classes?

Because Ruby makes unit testing easier than Java does. Tests provide positive 
reinforcement that your objects work correctly together. Static type checking 
(thru abstract base classes and protected members) only provides negative 
reinforcement that your objects might not work correctly together. Then, static 
checking impedes unit testing.

http://www.oreillynet.com/onlamp/blog/2008/05/dynamic_languages_vs_editors.html

Positive reinforcement always works better - just ask a (non-Behaviorist) shrink.

-- 
   Dr. Phlip