From: Nikodemus Siivola <tsiivola@...>
Date: 2002-06-13T07:31:57+09:00
Subject: Empowering Symbols


Just an inane question:

The symbols as lvalues idea:

n = 1
m = 3
(n..m).each { |:n| :m = n**2 puts "#{m}" }  #=> 1, 4, 9
p n  #=> 1
p m  #=> 3

 -- what are the related problems?

The way I see it, it looks pretty damn good: you get to keep the current
syntax and with a single enhancement you get both block local assignment
and variables -- without breaking anything old.

Also, it sort of fits to the other idea of using foo(a: 1) as shorthand
for foo(:a => 1). Not that they are the same, but they have the same sweet
aroma about them...

I am quite willing to believe that these approaches as troublemakers, but
I'd like to understand the reasons.

On a related note, someone mentioned having gotten to the habit of using
symbols for various arcane purposes. Can you enlighten me -- sounds
interesting to say the least.

 -- Nikodemus