From: Dennis Misener <dm@...>
Date: 2003-12-15T11:21:59+09:00
Subject: Q: How to convert hashed parameters to local variables?

In my efforts to write yet another template language {I know, I 
know ..grin}, I find myself wanting to provide simple named 
parameters ala Mason.  I'd like to insulate the user from the 
mechanics of  "dereferencing" the hashed parameters.

What I desire is an implementation for "parameters" such that:

def announce(args)
	parameters(args,:age=>21)
	"My name is #{first} #{last} and my age is #{age}"
end

announce(:first=>'John', :last=>'Smith') generates
"My name is John Smith and my age is 21"

I was thinking something like ....

def parameters(args,defaults)
    args=defaults.update(args)
    args.each_pair do |key,value|
	< generate a object with the name 'key' and value 'value' 
	  in the scope of the calling routine >
    end
end

But the <...> portion has eluded me.  Any assistance would be 
appreciated.