From: Phlip <phlip2005@...>
Date: 2008-08-24T13:31:16+09:00
Subject: Re: Why 'if 0' succeeds in Ruby

Charles Oliver Nutter wrote:

> * a ||= x would no longer work, since unassigned a (nil) would not 
> evaluate to false causing x to be assigned.
> 
> * @a ||= x would no longer work
> 
> * a[n] ||= x would no longer work
> 
> * a.b ||= x would no longer work

Exactly! a positively-written program should propagate value-objects, and 
truths, as its booleans express. If you don't like that, then your code should 
be more positive. Excess examples of 'if nil == q' or 'if false == q' are a sign 
your program indulges in negativity.

So once again, a default Ruby behavior leads to better code style.

-- 
   Phlip