From: Robert Klemme <shortcutter@...>
Date: 2011-08-29T23:44:12+09:00
Subject: Re: String#split resets regex captures variables (Ruby 1.8.7)

On Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 4:30 PM, Olivier Lance <bestiol@gmail.com> wrote:
> thanks for all your replies and tests, I wasn't expecting so many
> answers :)

I am doing the opposite experience over at c.l.scheme - zero replies.
So you're lucky to be on this side of the fence.

> I'm sorry, my example was indeed a bit complicated to illustrate the
> issue. The night got my brain, I should have slept ^^

:-)

> Anyway, thanks for highlighting the different behaviors of those
> variables...
> I'm actually working on a code I haven't written, so I left it as
> untouched as possible (as it was working) and patched with what I
> needed.
> I'll have a closer look to refactor it and use smarter/safer things.
>
> As I've said in my topic's subject, I'm using Ruby 1.8.7, so I think I
> cannot use named groups.
> What would you suggest instead of using $1 etc.?
>
> Should I store $~ and then use captures[1]...?

Depends on the number of groups.  If I want to be sure values are not
changed I typically do something like

if /../ =~ str
  name = $1
  age = $2.to_i
...
  # use name and age
end

Or, if there are many groups you could do

if /../ =~ str
  all, name, age, more, variables, here = *$~
...
  # use name, age, more, variables, here
end

Kind regards

robert

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