From: Rasputin <rasputin@...>
Date: 2003-06-12T22:46:45+09:00
Subject: does each work on a copy?


This has me confused (It's getting to be a frequent experience).

----------------8<----------------

SPACE = 1

a = Array.new(5)
b = Array.new(5, SPACE)

a.each { |el|
        el = SPACE
}

puts "a = #{a.join("-")}"
puts "b = #{b.join("-")}"

----------------8<----------------

I'd expect to have a first output line similar to the second,but I get:

rasputin@shrike rasputin$ ruby /tmp/q
a = ----
b = 1-1-1-1-1
rasputin@shrike rasputin$

Now, is this because each is returning a copy of the element?
It's the most plausible explanation
(because if I replace a.each with a.collect! it works as I expected)
but if so I'm surprised it hasn't bitten me on the ass before.

I know the Array is full of nils, but can't see why that would
cause what I'n seeing.

Please hit me wirh a clue bat. Thanks.
-- 
Rasputin :: Jack of All Trades - Master of Nuns