From: Gavin Kistner <gavin@...>
Date: 2004-02-13T04:59:58+09:00
Subject: Return value of foo=

The question is, is it possible to change the return value of a foo= 
method to NOT be the argument?

If the answer is no, well, I can sort of see why (consistency of 
expectations for something like:    bar = obj.foo+=3) but I also feel 
like...if it's a method, it's a method, whatever syntax is invoking it. 
Shouldn't I be able to control the return value?

Please see the code below.

########################

class MutableTime
         ...
         def date
                 @t.day
         end
         def date=(n)
                 @t+=(n-date)*DINS
		self # < == LOOK HERE!
         end
         ...
end

########################

puts t3 = MutableTime.new("2/8/2004 2:37:13pm")
=> Sun Feb 08 14:37:13 MST 2004

puts t3.date
=>8

puts t3.date=11
=> 11  # <== GRR! I want the object instance to be the return value

puts t3.date
=> 11

puts t3
=> Wed Feb 11 14:37:13 MST 2004