From: Phillip Gawlowski <cmdjackryan@...>
Date: 2011-10-11T20:14:53+09:00
Subject: Re: why does `a + f b` not parse?

On Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 1:02 PM, Dave Aronson
<rubytalk2dave@davearonson.com> wrote:
>
> That's the odd part.  Just saying "sqrt 5" works (assuming you've
> included Math, else "Math.sqrt 5").  But tack "2 +" on the front, and
> suddenly Ruby can't parse it any more, even though it has now *more*
> of a clue that what's coming is a mathematical expression.

Actually: No. As far as Ruby is concerned, you are chaining method
calls (remember: + is a method, not an operator!).

That this is a mathematical expression is coincidental

A (somewhat) contrived example:

"x 2"

Is that a method call (x(2)), or do you want to multiply 2 and x?

-- 
Phillip Gawlowski

gplus.to/phgaw | twitter.com/phgaw

A method of solution is perfect if we can forsee from the start,
and even prove, that following that method we shall attain our aim.
              -- Leibniz