From: Dmitri Colebatch <dim@...>
Date: 2003-01-22T13:48:40+09:00
Subject: Re: [FAQ] When should a method have parentheses?

 From http://www.rubycentral.com/book/tut_methods.html

The optional parameters follow the method name. If there is no ambiguity 
you can omit the parentheses around the argument list when calling a 
method.[Other Ruby documentation sometimes calls these method calls 
without parentheses ``commands.''] However, except in the simplest cases 
we don't recommend this---there are some subtle problems that can trip 
you up.[In particular, you must use parentheses on a method call that is 
itself a parameter to another method call (unless it is the last 
parameter).] Our rule is simple: if there's any doubt, use parentheses.

maybe a pointer there would be appropriate?

Gavin Sinclair wrote:
> Hi -talk,
> 
> An unanswered question appears on the FAQ page.  Actually, a few do,
> but this is oldest so I'll tackle it first.  The problem is: I have no
> idea.  Can someone provide an answer, and I'll update the FAQ.
> 
> Question: When should a method have parentheses?
> 
> Comment: Sometimes Ruby 1.7.x warns that parentheses will be required
> in the future.
> 
> 
> 
> Happy answering!
> 
> Gavin
> 
>