From: Meino Christian Cramer <Meino.Cramer@...>
Date: 2003-09-13T02:01:18+09:00
Subject: Mthod redefinition

Hi,

 I just want to know, whether there is a way to accomplish things like
 "method redefinition" like in C++ (sorry, dont know the exact
 terminus technicus...)

 For example in C++ one could write:

 class Foo
 {

		....


		int aMethod( void )
		{
			printf( "Who who gives no input will get no output!\n" );
		}

		int aMethod( int i )
		{
			printf( "One gives me: %d\n", i );
		}

 }

 so I can call "aMthod" either with no parameter at all and will
 trigger the execution of the first reincarnation of "aMethod()" and
 if I will spend my time for evaluating some input and offer it to
 aMethod I will trigger the execution of the second existence of
 aMethod().

 I tried this in a brute force manner with ruiby (just to check,
 whether a comparable syntax is avallable -- but git a "redefinition
 of..." warning.

 So, ruby exactly recognizes, what I want -- a redefinition of aMethod
 -- but insists on not to enligth me her coherent shine...

 Is there a way, an adept of the eternal light of The Ruby could learn
 to serve her majesty in a way, the her majesty will also serve him ?

 :)

 Be coherent !
 Meino