From: Robert Klemme <shortcutter@...>
Date: 2009-08-25T17:21:35+09:00
Subject: Re: operators vs. methods

2009/8/25 Sarah Allen <sarah@ultrasaurus.com>:
> 7stud -- wrote:
>> Ruby gives you a choice with some methods, like +() and =(), to use a
>> special syntax.  Special syntaxes are commonly known as "syntactic
>> sugar".   What happens is that the "sugared syntax" is converted into
>> the normal method call, so:
>>
>> 1 + 2  becomes 1.+(2)
>>
>> and
>>
>> obj.x = 10 becomes obj.x=(10)  (where the method name is 'x=')
>
> So, where might I find a list of the special sugary methods?

There is a list in the printed edition of the Pickaxe IIRC.

> and may I
> define my own?  I know I can override + and =, but could I make ß or foo
> be sent to an object with syntax such as 4 foo 4 or "test"ß"this" ?  (I
> don't know that I would want to, but I am curious)

You cannot as that would mean changing of the language's syntax.

Kind regards

robert


-- 
remember.guy do |as, often| as.you_can - without end
http://blog.rubybestpractices.com/