From: Jon Babcock Date: 2000-09-19T05:45:44+09:00 Subject: [ruby-talk:4998] Re: Ruby Book Ch 2 English -- arguments /parameters/options? >>>>> Conrad Schneiker wrote: > Jon Babcock wrote: >> Should the explanation read, "Output the parameters >> sequentially." or "Output the arguments sequentially." Or does >> it matter? > Some apparently common usage from the Oracle at Google: > http://www.cygnus.com/misc/wp/dec96pub/over.html > When an overloaded function name is used in a call, which > overloaded function declaration is being referenced is > determined by comparing the types of the arguments at the point > of use with the types of the parameters in the overloaded > declarations that are visible at the point of use. > http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/welcome/dsmsdn/deep07062000.htm > When evaluating the relative closeness of a candidate overload, > your compiler converts the caller's argument and return types to > the candidate's parameter and return types. This tends to confirm my original impression that English uses 'parameters' in the context of declaring a function and 'arguments' in the context of calling a function. Turning to the Camel Book (March 1992), at page 204, I find: "If the example contains words in italic, then those words are 'parameters'. You don't type these words in (even if you have a fancy terminal that can do italics), but instead look at the section immediately following where each parameter is described. You must ** replace the italicized words with real variable names and text strings ** and whatever else the recipe calls for." [Emphasis mine.] As far as Ruby Book, ch2 goes, I think I have it pretty well nailed down now, thanks to all your help. The problem arose as I noticed that the translator used 'parameter/s' everywhere for 引数 (J. hikisuu), except for one or two places, and that looked a little strange to me, although in three or four instances it did seem to fit. So I needed some expert advice. Thanks again. Jon -- Jon Babcock